texas diva
menology:
Male Gold Digger
the
sultry in the city
Magnolia Hotel
Rion Fox x-sessions:
Love or Lust?
Premier Issue!
Note from the Founder I have watched and listened for years to talented local artists and musicians in Oklahoma and Texas. as they were turned away and dissuaded of many opportunities to showcase their countless capabilities. Xcentrix Magazine was my dream, that, with the help of many people, is now becoming a reality. It is my way of giving back to those many talented artists–a place of display. I would like to thank God for my four supportive children–Brittaney, Courtney, Whitney and Jordan, as well as all the family and friends that made this journey with me.
-Vanessah McCarroll
“the elite in local entertainment”
Vanessah McCarroll founder / ceo
Ebony Moore editor-in-chief
Jamila Jones creative director
contributors ryan sanders dennis cail najah byron dj shi star ford shayla mcclellon jarriel jones kenny masenda susie dillon ken jones special thanks to
magnolia hotel, nkosis fashions, princess cuts entertainment, bold & beautiful entertainment & antonio wingfield
cover photo courtesy of: Jarriel Jones, Sessions Studios
FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS, ADDRESS CHANGES, AND BACK ISSUES: Email xcentrixmag@ aol.com or write to P.O. Box 98, Lewisville, Texas or call 972-415-4744. TO ORDER BACK ISSUES: Please send U.S. check ot money order (U.S. $3.50 per issue). Special editions (U.S. $9.50 per issue). FOR EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: Please write to Letters Department, Xcentrix Magazine, P.O. Box 98, Lewisville, TX 75067 or send emails to xcentrixmag@aol.com. For more information visit our website at www.xcentrixmagazine.com ©2007 Devah Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. The Xcentrix logo is protected through trademark registration in the United States and in the foreign countries where Xcentrix Magazine circulates. A one-year subscription to Xcentrix Magazine is 12 issues for $40.00 per year. SUBCSCRIBERS: If the postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within two years. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Xcentrix Magazine, P.O. Box 98, Lewisville, Texas. MAILING LISTS: We make a portion of our mailing lists available to reputable firms. If you would prefer that we not include your name, please call 972-415-4744 or write us at P.O, Box 98, Lewisville, TX. or send us an email at xcentrixmag@aol.com. Printed in the U.S.
contents premier issue
07 The Amazing Dunn 09 Rulers of the Runway 13 A Jade by Another Name 15 Black Pearl Gallery 19 Role Reversal 22 Sultry in the City 26 Magnolia Hotel 28 X-Sessions: Love or Lust? 31 The Diva Approach Giving Back to the Community 35 37 Antonio Wingfield 41 Steel Unknown 22 43 Our Contributors by bobby reinhart
fashion spread by star ford photography by ken jones gypsy:
by ebony moore
by ebony moore and najah byron menology:
by dennis cail and ryan sanders
fashion spread by ebony moore photography by jarriel jones
by star ford
by shayla mcclellon and kenny masenda
by ebony moore studio sessions:
by susie dillon
fashion spread by ebony moore, photography by jarriel jones
by ryan sanders
doing that. But then I had an experience. What do you mean by experience? I attend Lakewood Church, I’ve been going there for 14 years, and I was walking around one day looking for the portico. But like I said, I’ve been going there for a long time – so, to think I would need to ask somebody where a certain place was. A lady said she would take me there. She began to ask me if I sang, and I answered no, not to mention I was already hoarse from dealing with sinus drainage from sniffing painted walls, my profession.
The Amazing Dunn by bobby rinehart Christian artist Teri Dunn embraces her talent from God–singing.
Not as many people think of flipping on the
gospel music, while driving down the highway, blasting the radio. Not even Christian soloist Teri Dunn … at first. But after a life-changing spiritual awakening, the gospel was all she wrote.
What happened next? Well, she told me that ‘God is telling me to tell you that is what he wants you to do – sing. She said ‘it [the message] is from him, and to tell you it is something you don’t see yourself doing.’ Then she reiterated that this was something she never would have known, had it not really been from the Lord. And then, I turned to say something to this man and his wife walking by, when I looked back, she was gone – nowhere in sight! I think she was an angel from God. So at that point, were you convinced that singing was the route to go? Well, it did make me reflect, and I concluded that the angel came to assure me, or speak to me. And I decided, yes, that is what I needed to do. How long have you been in the studio writing songs? I’ve been in the making for this project for five years now. There is only one writer besides myself. The time came into play to get the feel down for each song. We kept going back and perfecting each step.
What do you think of being in the studio? Bobby Rinehart: How long have you been actually It’s an awesome experience. It was something I didn’t expect. You go into the studio, and you hear about other singing? Teri Dunn: I have been singing 5 years into the studio, people, and what it’s like. But nothing beats actually being but otherwise, I’m just breaking into my singing. Most there. It all felt very comfortable to me. people when they sing it’s always something they saw themselves doing, like they never really wanted to do So what can the listeners expect from the CD? anything differently, but not me. Well, many of the song titles are one-worded, like a message, for example … Crave. And they were all So you never wanted to sing? messages we wanted to get out in the album. Of course, No, I didn’t see myself singing. That’s not me. And I had you want people to love the beat of the music, but you also repeated that exact phrase for like a year. I don’t see myself want them to hear the words. But to just retain it in their xcentrix magazine JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2007
And how did the producers and engineers make you feel while in the recording chamber? Is there any meaning or message to the ordering of the Very comfortable. They were all very willing and patient songs on the album? with me 100%. Available to help me with whatever I At first we didn’t really think about how they were put needed help with. When you go into the chamber, you down, but going back later – it did spell out a message. 1. always have that fear and apprehension that you’re going Soon the lord will come, he’s brought. 2. Salvation. God’s to hate it. But they absolutely greeted me with open arms 3. Grace is so amazing. He takes us 4. Higher. We’re to ...so, when I came out, I couldn’t believe it. 5. Crave his presence. We are all 6. Soldiers enlisted in his army. 7. All I really Need is Thus far, you’ve had one love. 8. God is our Life. We are successful show. What is the as Christians in 9. Anomaly. highest goal you have for yourself, and the types of crowds you want Looking at the tracks here, I also to perform for? see that there are some things Oh, a million. There are a lot that reflect even the situation of ministers that go across the going on in Iraq. How did you nation and they have crowds come up with it? numbering up-to a million. I Actually the song was written for say the sky is the limit, whatever a soldier that was coming home. God wants me to do. I feel that They wanted to do something my message is very big, and I honoring him. But realistically, would love people to receive and you honor one coming home, understand this message, so as you need to honor them all – and many that God lets in the doors the many that are still there. And – I will sing it and speak it! to the one soldier that did come home, it was like a gift. It was What about music videos, how such an honor that we wanted it do you feel about them? to be a blessing for all. It’s the same thing. I think videos are very important. Most people You also did a different spin on don’t get something until they Amazing Grace. see it. When you put music to People try to remix it and be a the video, and you understand little spunky. But really the song through the video –your message is very refreshing, and I think becomes much more of an “...I didn’t see myself that’s what people want to get impact. It’s very wise to do from it. I sang it a cappella, and singing. That’s not me.” videos. later my producer came in behind me to fill in the music of what he felt it should be. The It’s good that you at least have an idea of what you want in way it came out sounds like you’re with the angels of God the future, and there is definitely a message within your in that song. But others will still recognize it and connect music. with it, I think. Well, you get what is there right away. Some music you don’t understand what’s going on, but you like the beat so So, what was it like for you being in the studio? much that it really doesn’t matter. I want both. I want them It was an awesome experience, something I didn’t expect. to like the beats, which are catchy and to actually listen You hear about other people going into the studio, all and read the words – cause they speak for themselves. the time, and how their experience was ...but when I was actually in there, recording with the producer and the To find out more information about Teri Dunn, visit www.teridunn.com or email salvationcd2005@yahoo.com. writer, Ken – it was just a very pleasant experience. hearts of what is to be said.
xcentrix magazine JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2007
Rulers of the Runway by star ford
photography by ken jones
Designer gurus, Nkosis aim to make Big D “red-carpet-ready” With the name nkosis, Swahili for Ruler, it’s a wonder the fashion line is making waves within the Dallas industry since launching in 1997. Headed by MarQuel “Kells” Pettway, Sean Taylor, Jeffrey Burns, and Jason Ryder, nkosis Fashions, is best described–– semi-couture.
Coperture Dell’Ostrica Dress: $176
La Clessidra Shirt Dress: $125 xcentrix magazine JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2007
Keeping a theme of “Think Dallas, Think nkosis,” the line thrives on filling a void in the fashion world, by maintaining haute couture, branding items with a relatable twist to each piece. Although the line originally opted for a business casual look, it broke barriers for a mainstream audience who love to look “red carpet ready” at the latest Downtown hot spot. Fashionistas be sure and look for upcoming NK Jeans for Him and Her, a special cut for those with curves.
Velluto a Coste Sport Coat: $395
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To cater specific needs, nkosis is run on a clientele basis – for more information, check out www.nkosis.com, the official clothiers for Bad Boy South/ Block Enterprise reality series, Hood-2-Hood.
The D (hat) from the D-Town Collection: $32 xcentrix magazine JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2007
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gypsy
a Jade
by Another Name by ebony moore
Contemporary writer, Shayla V. McClellon spills about her new career, writing ambitions and her definition of – gypsy.
Cutting-edge,
contemporary North Carolina-based new author Shayla V. McClellon’s debut release, “Hypnotic,” is described as seductive, showstopping and mystifying all at once. Best labeled as a “spellbinding, psychological thriller” ...to... “in-your-face sexuality” by reviewers. McClellon says her main character could be passed as an African American Lucille Ball of her time, always finding herself in a rut, and scrambling to get out. But the story of 42year-old Jade Simmons, tenured nurse turned sex-kitten – out to prove she’s still got her groove, is all but your oldfashioned romance. “...beautiful, deep and passionate ...if held in just the right way will glow vibrantly, right before your eyes,” begins McClellon’s novel, characterizing the provocative
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protagonist, Jade. However, looking closer – Is this very statement defining the author herself, and all that is yet to come of her writing career? Born just outside of Cleveland, Ohio in Lorraine, McClellon, 49, grew up in a large family. The sixth of eight children, she did not always have enough money for the amusement park, so instead, she had a book in hand. Although writing was not her first choice (initially choosing to become a medical assistant), writing became her raw talent. Of course, at first writing wasn’t really an option, she said. Just to think of all the time it takes, and all the bills that must be paid, and logically, she just kept putting it off. Sooner than later, she prayed to God – and he told her to continue writing. “I don’t necessarily see myself as a writer, just a story
They said the book would be printed within the contract of a year, and it was. She said she was overwhelmed and excited, but took the two-month deadline they extended to her to complete the remaining 189 pages in stride. It’s hard and competitive to get into the industry, but you must have the drive, she said. And she gives thanks to her family who has been very supportive through it all, helping with press kits and marketing, “the whole nine yards.” Now, with a book under her belt, she plans to spend more time on new ventures – writing a continuing soap opera called “One Second to Crazy,” and a motivational column “Don’t Get It Twisted,” for Website dedicated to women of color, mahoganybutterfly.com. At some point, she plans to release the sequel to “Hypnotic,” titled “Toxic,” when Jade leaves nursing behind to pursue owning an escort service and night club. Avid readers should also look out for others, “Lovely, I Die” and “Sweet Revenge,” all due out soon. McClellon said she is currently searching for a more traditional publisher. She also said she is very happy to be doing something fulltime of which she enjoys, it has since, produced a calming effect in her life. McClellon says she challenges other women to conquer their dreams, so that one day, they too will feel free to do the things they enjoy. She defines gypsy as a “free spirit, someone who has no direction!”
gypsy
teller,” she stated. “It’s something I’m good at – telling stories.” McClellon said she has been writing for almost 15 years, (about as long as she’s been in the medical field), and it took her several years to find out what area she truly wanted to write about. She said she knew that people loved suspense – which led her in that direction. But what prompted her on the journey to write was the lack of valuable entertainment in society. “I just really got bored with reading and television. I felt that if I could guess the plot and story line, then it wasn’t worth my time,” she said. So, she began writing short stories, and testing them out on friends and family, which they seemed to really enjoy. She said her first book, back in 1996, was called “Dripping Black,” about four teens striving for college, but having their hardship backgrounds prevent them. McClellon said she actually had bigger projects in the works, when “Hypnotic” was only a 60-page manuscript that she had written for her eyes only, because it was so “sexy,” as she called it. “My husband didn’t even like it because it was so sexy,” she said. But in 2004, after letting a few friends and family read it, she playfully submitted it to a print-on-demand publishing company, Publish America, and they requested to print it. They definitely stand by what they say, she stated.
xcentrix magazine JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2007
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Speak the Word by ebony moore Writing poetry is an uninhibited talent, most often used as a release or outlet – these featured artists were the participants of a poetry contest. But there wasn’t any room for just one winner, when they all had something to say.
Gabriel A lot of people don’t find their niche until later in life – there are only a few, who are fortunate enough to catch it and grab hold to it at a young age. And Gabriel Newhouse, 24, is one of them. He began writing at the start of eighth grade, inspired by his school teacher, during the core of his road to spirituality. It began as a way for him to heal, an outlet to put something positive out there for himself and other people. One day, he hopes to take his style of music poetry/ praise nationwide.
Ty
Truly a man of many talents – from writing to performing, 30-something Tyrick Foard strives to take poetry to another level. And after all these years, Foard still remembers one of his first poems, “I Come to You,” about his daily struggles developing a relationship with God. Now, years later, he has matured from rhymed lyrics to a steady style ... one he often refers to as poetic wine. Through his entertainment group, Poetic Wine stems playwriting and spoken word sessions with the Wine Cellars Entertainer Showcase. “My acting ability is what I believe allows me to be so different from others, so relaxed and open,” he said.
Rodney
Writing is the tool that helped him to shape his life – Rodney Banks, 41, says. As a kid in New Orleans, his teacher first introduced spoken word to him, but it wasn’t until later in life that he grasped the meaning. Around 1995, he was reintroduced to writing and couldn’t stop. His first reading was at the South Dallas poetry club, Reciprocity. But poetry isn’t his calling, he says, just something he enjoys. “As a poet, you can talk about things that others can’t talk about, and that’s what I like about it,” he said. “It’s liberating.”
Selah
Like any other artist, Christian poet Lisa Watkins is ready to take her spoken craft to another level. Hailing from Washington, D.C., the 30-something discovered her talent after coming to Christ. And she said it was one of the best gifts that she ever received–that’s when the Biblical Spoken word performer, Selah came to life. Although she’s been writing for almost 15 years, it was hard to find a place in the industry. But her ultimate dream is to take Christian poetry to the gospel Stellar Awards or the Grammys. xcentrix magazine JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2007
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Richmond Punch by najah byron
Logging on to richmondpunch.com, the rich and captivating melodies produced by the Dallas-born violinist will hypnotize. Richmond Punch and his sister Lauren were raised by his mother, Gayle Punch and grew up in South Dallas. He said he learned the instrument at a young age and was instantly enamored. “I was introduced to the violin at the age of six,” the star prodigy said. “Dr. Jo Margaret Williams, the orchestra instructor at L. L. Hotchkiss Montessori Academy, gave it to me to take home one day. I already played the piano and she thought I would do well on the violin as well.” He went on to explain that his mother wouldn’t allow him to accept it, because she couldn’t afford the instrument or lessons. However, teacher refused to take it back. Richmond’s musical gift was nurtured through the special programs
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available at the school. And later, he attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where he furthered his education in music through several scholarship and summer programs. Punch said that Dr. Williams was very conducive to his musical talent. She arranged for him free musical lessons, and also got him involved in the Young Strings Program sponsored by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, where he received free instruction from accomplished musicians. He was inspired by noted musicians, Kay Gardner, Ellen Rose and Mary Alice Wittrig through the program. And Punch’s hard work and dedication led him to bigger triumphs – in 1998 he was the recipient of the Julliard School Scholarship, he was able to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in a “Concert with the Divas” in 2001, alongside greats Harolyn Blackwell, Oleta Adams, the Clark Sisters and Melba Moore, with Cecily Tyson as the hostess. Yet, best of all, he performed at noted Carnegie Hall with the Julliard Orchestra conducted by Sir Roger Norrington. “Attending Julliard was an outstanding experience,” Punch said. “The students and the teachers were first-class. There were people there from all over the world, and the actual school is a few blocks from the Empire State Building.” He said there was so much culture and artistic energy present. He was able to view plays by Nobel Prize winners, take walks in Central Park and visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art, all in one day. It was unbelievable, he gushed. After graduating from Julliard, he performed in the Soulful Symphony at the Meyerhoff Hall in Baltimore, the Yale Philharmonic and the St. Petersburg Chamber Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, a pretty impressive resume he boasts. Not to mention, a scholarship from the Congressional Black Caucus. He also earned a full scholarship to Yale University Graduate School, which he graduated with a Masters in 2005. But despite his hectic schedule, Punch always finds time to give back to the community. Previously, he volunteered with the Dallas and New York branches of Habitat for Humanity, and even voluntarily performs every year at his family’s own, Punch Family Foundation, which specializes in assisting minority music students with music-related expenses. It seems at just the age of 26, Punch has conquered the world – from mini-music prodigy and avid student, to hosting his own jazz band, The Richmond Punch Jazz Quartet. But he said he still has many dreams for the future. Over the next five years, he plans to record a CD that will include him playing all the different genres of jazz, classical, hip hop and gospel music to violin. He also hopes to increase the amount that the Punch Family Foundation is able to reward to each recipient and enabling the program to arrange an orchestra of 100 children.
Jarriel Jones
by ebony moore
It has been said that one single photograph is worth a thousand words. And native Jackson, Mississippi photographer, Jarriel Jones’ prints has deemed that statement to be true through his photography business, Sessions Studio. Trained by noted Southern photographer, James Patterson, famous for work with the Eudora Welty Foundation, Jones proved to be a quick learner. Combining the skill of old guard with the flair of high fashion, he determined it would give him the editorial edge of photography he needed to be unique. Since leaving Mississippi in ‘98, Jones has made a name for himself in a short time – working on several publications, magazines, and even capturing celebrities, such as R&B singer, Will Downing and CSI: NY actor, Hill Harper. He has been featured in the award winning Tea Party Magazine and Fashion Ledge in New York, and now, Xcentrix magazine. In 2003, when he started Sessions, his vision was to develop “a company that has a hand in almost every facet of the media.” The studio has also enabled him to work hand-in-hand with a variety of model personalities, and mentoring them in the beginning stages of their career. Jones’ has previously published his own calendar, Sessions, and magazine, Defining Life & Photography. His plans for 2007 include incorporating a newly refashioned Website, www.jarrieljones.com, that will house interactive features allowing supporters to access Top Model-like photo shoots, fashion shows and expos through X-Sess TV and purchasing of images. In addition, a newsletter titled Tear Sheet that will inform readers about entertainment, fashion, art and new and exciting businesses on the rise. It will also provide updates about various models. “Sessions Studios will not only be a photography studio,” Jones says. “It will be a brand, a multimedia conglomerate.”
xcentrix magazine JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2007
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menology
Role Reversal by dennis cail and ryan sanders
Are more men realizing the economic benefits of a “sugar mama?” “I count on a woman ignoring her intuition,” says the 33year-old self-proclaimed gold digger. In fact, to hear him tell it, Michael may be something more akin to a gigolo than a gold digger. “Most of the women I date pursue me because of my looks. When I tell them I’m not working and I get by, wrote those words, he probably never considered that the it doesn’t seem to bother them. Some of them think it’s “she” in his hit song “Gold Digger” could as easily be a cute and even bring me lunch at home during their lunch “he.” But that is exactly what is happening at a growing break. They know I come with a price. A price they are rate according to some experts. The increased education more than willing to pay in exchange for receiving what and employment rates of women, coupled with their they want.” rising earning power, have given rise to a new breed of Michael says he was 25 years old before he paid for nuptial narcissist–the male gold digger. dinner on a date. He says he learned how to get “anything According to a January 2005 Wall Street Journal out of women” from his uncle during his teenage years. article, written by Sue Shellenbarger, more men may Such is also the case with Tonya* and her ex-boyfriend. be choosing mates because of money. The article cites The 27-year-old real-estate broker, Tonya says deception research by Megan Sweeney, an assistant professor of makes gold digging immoral. sociology at the University of California, Los Angeles, “They [men] have serious emotional and mommywhich shows marriage rates increasing more rapidly detachment issues. They are chicken-head men who have among high-earning women. In other words, men are not left the nest. Basically, they are bitches who prey on finding wealthy women more attractive, at least when it women, but I blame myself for falling for the game and comes to marriage. being so naive”. Patrick*, 38, is a proud gold-digger and successful She believes the male gold digger’s “sense of attorney. He says women consider themselves to be smart entitlement” coupled with a woman’s giving nature is investors. what perpetuates a growing problem for women. “Women look at me as an investment in their future, And apparently she’s right about it growing. Herb a future that will never be. Clearly, I am in no rush to get Vest, CEO of True.com, a matchmaking Website with married. However, if and when I do, she will definitely 2.7 million users, told the Wall Street Journal that more have to be financially than one strapped to support me “If a woman wants to take care third of the in the event I choose not of me, who am I to stop her?” site’s male to work. I don’t mind users were staying at home with the kids, but she can’t come to dinner seeking women with higher incomes than their own. without bringing something to the table.” Only 20 percent of the men on True.com seek women Similarly brazen attitudes may not be as rare as most with lower incomes. would think. Sean*, 24, says he only dates overweight For some, the trend is a natural result of women’s women who have great jobs with good benefits. He is increased earnings. All of the admitted gold diggers completing his MBA and claims to be dating two women interviewed for this article said that there are more than who pay all of his expenses including food, rent, clothes enough women with resources to support their man and and books. a willingness to do so. “If a woman wants to take care of me, who am I to stop Marc H. Rudov is the self-proclaimed guru of gold her?” he said. “I don’t consider myself a gold digger since digger danger. His website, www.TheNoNonsenseMan. I am very open about my intentions and expectations. com, features dozens of articles and interviews about I can’t say the same for my friends. For most guys, the gender imbalance including one article titled “How to deception is half the fun.” Lure a Gold Digger,” written November 2006, that lists This is also the case with Californian Michael Perry. warning signs that men should look out for. Rudov says She was s’pose to buy ya shorty TYCO with ya money She went to the doctor got lypo with ya money She walkin’ around lookin’ like Micheal with ya money Should of got that insured got GEICO for ya moneeey
When Kanye West
menology
xcentrix magazine JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2007
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menology
the secret is not in the character of the potential gold diggers, but in the wealthy person’s idea of the role money should play in the relationship. “The reason that gold diggers exist is because gold givers exist. It’s as simple as that,” Rudov said. “It’s just as ludicrous for a woman to behave that way with a man as it is for a man to behave that way with a woman. If you’re a gold giver, you don’t respect the person to whom you’re giving gold and you don’t respect yourself. It matters little if you’re male or female.” But what makes a gold digger? How much dependence on a partner’s income is too much? And does the amount change depending on gender? The question is not a new one. In March 2003, Ebony magazine noted that gold digging dangers start with the dinner check, and with more and more liberated women willing to pay (and more men willing to let them), the question “Who pays for dates?” can be a prelude to “Who pays the mortgage?”
“...the trend is a natural result of women’s increased earnings.” “Most traditional-thinking people assume the man should cover the cost whether the woman asks him out or not, whether she makes more than he does or not,” wrote Ebony former associate editor Marsha Gilbert. “But as society changes–with more and more women bringing home bigger paychecks than the men they date–the rules are bending, creating some palpable tension between the sexes and making it difficult to determine who should pay.” Gilbert’s proposed solution in that article? Go Dutch. It may take some of the fun and romance out of the date, but Rudov agrees. Romance, he said, will fade. Whether what’s left is a one-sided relationship is up to the partners involved. “I give women the same advice I give men about avoiding gold diggers,” Rudov said. “The best relationship is peer relationship. Accept nothing else. Anything else is just legal prostitution.” *The full names of individuals used in this story have been withheld from the article for the protection and privacy of such individuals.
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For more information on this subject, Real Talk - The Domino Show will be airing ‘Male Gold Diggers’ featuring Michael Perry, March 15th. Previews of the upcoming show can be seen at www. youtube.com/dominotv
WANTED
Single, average looking male. Seeking mature woman. Must be well educated, and financially secure, not afraid to cater to her potential mate.
Blazer: Ralph Lauren $400 T-shirt: B.C. ethic $25 Jeans: DKNY $120
Sultry in the City photos by jarriel jones
From all different walks, off the runway to the rack, the hottest local designers bring you fashions that are sure to coax the sexy back into any person or trend this season with cutting edge apparel and accessories to boot! xcentrix magazine JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2007
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Suit: Express Men: $350 White Dress Shirt: Banana Republic $45 Tie: Boss - $25
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On Katelynn: Vintage Oscar de la Renta red baby doll dress: $150 On Graham: Black suit: Hugo Boss $ 1000 Striped dress shirt: 7 Diamonds $35
xcentrix magazine JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2007
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White Button Up Shirt : RED $50 Denim Jeans: Voi $200
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be a little xcentric at the
Magnolia in ‘07 by star ford
The Magnolia Dallas offers up a new to-do menu this season.
This hideaway,
located in the prime of downtown would not be recognizable among other infinite Dallas architecture, were it not for its ‘flying red horse’– Pegasus. The Magnolia is known for attracting the crème de la crème, and is ripe this season with its usual state-of-the-art fitness center, fun-filled packages, ornate art-reflected ceilings and newly vamped 3,500-square foot Pegasus Room, revealed last May. While nearby pleasure trips to Dallas’ Neiman Marcus, the Cowboys’ home, Texas Stadium and the Mavericks’ home of American Airlines fill the day, let nightlife at Magnolia’s The Club fill the night. The Club promises a jazzy cocktail-filled happy hour with specials Monday thru Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. To experience other night life, one only needs to walk out the front door and across the street to hit the Main Street (club-goer) district. For added measure, check out The Magnolia’s popular ‘easy-to-book’ dinner packages “Girls Night Out,” “Fuse,” “Magical,” “Culture,” “Morton’s” and “History,” priced from $175 to $276 per person, per night. Magnolia public relations go-to Dana Berry confesses to ‘more contemporary, upscale, plush bed linens and carpets for 2007, in addition, the hotel will pair up with unique-to-Dallas restaurants to feature more upgraded dinner packages. What will they include? Check out a Magnolia near you! Visit the Magnolia Hotel of Dallas and experience luxury at your convenience. For more information about The Magnolia hotels, visit www.themagnoliahotels.com.
all photos courtesy of the Magnolia Hotel xcentrix magazine JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2007
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x-sessions
Love or Lust? by shayla mcclellon
x-sessions
Love or lust? Should they go hand-in-hand, or can you separate the two, yet still enjoy a fulfilled life? The average person would enjoy having them both, along with the perfect mate.
Though, today’s society may put a strain
involves you. You can bet that it’s only lust. Love, on the other hand, is totally different. on that little scenario with constant demands of a one You begin doing stupid things that you thought you’d night-stand and lustful flings. How can you compare that never do in all your life! How many of you women out to a long involved nurtured relationship? Well, here’s the there wouldn’t delete a voicemail, so that you could call it thing, it’s a constant struggle. I’m sure many of us have again just to hear his voice? I know I’m raising my hand looked across a crowded room, discovered someone that high. made you oblivious to the fact that this human being may Why do we do that when we can, just as easily, pick be attached to someone else, (hence the female’s arm that up the phone, call him and hear his voice in surround is wrapped around his arm). And still wished you had just sound? one exclusive night alone with them. Men are no different. They do the same kind of crap. I know I have. I will even confess to having a lustful Love is like the first week of a menstrual cycle (sorry night of lovemaking, only to rewind the tape in my head guys). You’re in a lot of pain. You can’t think straight, with every detail as many times as my mind would let you want to kill the person for making you love them. me. One minute, you’re happy, and the next you’re sad. You That feeling of euphoria is what will get you into trouble wonder why someone would even want to love you at all. time, and time, again. Do you think it is a true form of You worry that you’re going to human nature to be attracted mess it all up. In other words, to one person, and one person you’re irrational. “You begin doing only? You would be a freak of That’s why a lot of people nature if you think that rings stupid things that you go for the lust factor. true. No commitments, no thought you’d never How can you become jealous phone calls – (except for the do in all your life!” of your mate, when his or her occasional, late at night). head snaps in the direction of a All you have to do is get this beautiful human being? I know across to the person from the that we do, because it is a normal emotion that we can not beginning, and lay your cards on the table. But how long help. can you, periodically, jump from one bed to the next I have to say that when I noticed my husband staring without that becoming boring and frustrating? in the direction of the same woman that I spotted two So see, it’s a vicious cycle this love/ lust thing. It’s never minutes before – I knew it would be stupid to get upset. really going to have a rational ending. You be the judge, Why you ask? Because girlfriend was striking! I had to because lust, can be a beautiful thing, (done cautiously), give her the props she deserved. Yes, I wanted to cut her and love IS a beautiful thing. Even with all its ups and perfectly shaped body into a million pieces, but I knew downs. that she was only taking care of what God had given her, Until next time, live X-sessionaly! and I really shouldn’t hate. I just needed to get my butt Shayla back on the treadmill and Ab Lounger, and go for what I know. So, tell me. Don’t you just love it when relationships are fresh and new? You get a tingly feeling when that special someone calls and wants to see you, or just want to hear your voice. Why can’t that be an everlasting feeling? What is love, and how can we distinguish the difference? Well, if you are over the age of 30, you should know by now how your body works. So, if all you want, is the person you’re thinking about to fulfill a fantasy. And you could care less about what they have planned for the future, especially if it
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Late Night Breakfast by kenny masenda
e ? t v os
It started with a small kiss on the lips...our tongues did a nice lil dance in each other’s mouths, our hands made their natural voyages on each other’s bodies. Our anticipation and excitement was rising... Then, something happened. We stopped. Well, I stopped. I rose, and asked her to part her legs while I made myself at home between them.
by kenny masenda
Started on her neck. Her breathing increased while I moved down her chest...it furthered while her stomach was kissed, then her legs...then the inside of her thighs, then...
She moaned. It was soft, kind of quiet at first; after the initial taste, my tongue picked up the face. Now, the moans became please...”right there...go faster.” So, being a humble servant of course, I did what I was told.
We laughed at each other’s jokes, fed one another, and held hands as music played into the afternoon... We kissed softly...just because. We sat silently, because silence, at times, is the best communication.
u L
I went right there, and went faster, then eyed the kitchen table. Never losing a beat, we took it there. She was spread out from end-to-end while I continued to feast. By now, she done cried to Jesus about 30-40 times, but I guess He wasn’t hearing it. She came, and came, but it wasn’t enough. I was still hungry, and she was more than willing to feed me... So for the next hour, I had the best feast of my life. The way her legs quivered, to the way she bit her lip...to the beads of sweat rolling down her face to my shoulders... this night was about pleasing her, and after the constant moans, pleas, cries, jerks, quivers, and everything in between, we were both exhausted. When it was all said and done, we went to the room, in each other’s arms... and fell asleep.
o
I remember the day. We took our blanket, stereo, food and drinks out and sat in the park....and had ourselves a lunch.
Next thing we knew, the sun began to set, people were heading to their homes, the place they unwind, lay their heads. Yet, we remained, music still singin’ to us, daytime turning into night, holding hands, cuddled together... only the sound from the stereo and that unmistakable chatter called “Mother Nature” keeping us company. At that time, that park, that blanket, and each other was all we needed...we were home. Damn, with all those elements, you already know what happened next. Yet, the imagery, feelings, sounds, and touch are things I choose not to re-create. It was too intimate, and intimacy, true intimacy, cannot be replicated. This was my picnic. This is love.
xcentrix magazine JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2007
x-sessions
Lr
Picnic
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The Diva Approach by ebony moore
photos by jarriel jones
Soul Crooner Rion Fox uses a new method to reach stardom –her destiny.
Corporate
guru by-day, yet, songstress diva by-night, the 31-year-old sheds her business wear to don a new get-up...a mini (skirt – that is) and a microphone. But taking it from the top – Bailey Rion Fox, some know her as, Blaine had her start like many of the other musically-inclined, from church. At three, she began singing at various churches with her sisters, but stood out among them. And even at that time, she said she knew that music was a part of her. “My dream has always been to be an entertainer. I know what my destiny is, to be a singer,” she said. “And nobody can stop that – not even me.” Originally from Los Angeles, she stemmed from lineage with many musical endowments, which played a huge role in prompting her passion. Her mom and dad, both musicians, and most of her family, if not all – either sang or played an instrument. She grew up listening to Chaka Khan, Teddy Pendergrass, Guns ‘N’ Roses, and her all-time favorite, Queen. She gushed about how she could go on all day and night blasting “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and sometimes she still does. “I grew up in an all-white neighborhood, so you blend-in,” she said. “I don’t really look back on it as being this or that. The music sounded good to me, and that’s what mattered most.” However, her transition from L.A. to Dallas is what gave her a starting point. Her mother remarried when she was a teen and relocated to the Metroplex. She said it was hard making the move from “the city of everything to ...[Dallas]...it’s okay, but slow.” Then she learned Dallas has more to offer than she imagined. After some time of trekking in the gospel shadow, Fox was given the opportunity to perform with various artists such as Kirk Franklin, O’Landa Draper, Ricky Dillard and Johnnie Taylor. And, while in school at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla.—she received the chance to sing backup for none other than, Michael Bolton. Thus, jump starting her lyrical pursuit. In 1998, she recorded her first gospel CD as lead vocalist with local Dallas gospel group, BK Douglas & More than Conquerors. In 2000, she joined forces as lead female vocalist, with local R&B/ Old School band, The Road Crew in which she sang songs ranging from old Aretha Franklin, to new school, Lauren Hill. She was even hired as the music director for UPN/21’s “Gimme the Mike,” in 2004. Present day, many still want to know who is the real Rion Fox? On the surface, Fox fashions a pop/rock princess – dressed in faded denim capris, a white wife-beater, a
black bandana tying back her sandy blonde curly locks and worn-to-the-fade black flip flops. All the while, sipping a Starbucks (where we met), caramel frappucino lite, “emphasis on the light,” she stated. But her confessions about love, cheating, lying, being in love, thinking you’re in love and the art of making love – and not to mention her serious love-jones for Will Smith – make her merely, one of us. “I try to make my music about my life, in some form or fashion. It’s what people can relate to,” she says. “It’s what people have gone through, and that makes all of us human.” Fox says she’s her own worst critic when it comes to writing and producing. She’s been working for about five years to get her 15-to-17-song CD off the ground. She strives to make every song a possible single, wanting everything to be radio-ready. Yet, her Virgo status keeps her from staying unwavering. “Yep, I’m a Virgo, so I’m a natural nitpicker. I’ll write something, put it away, and then a month later – go back and try and fix something else,” she states. Currently, Fox has been performing with the Dallasbased, seven-member TOP band, led by captivating vocalist, Topasana Sansom, known for smooth jazz, Motown, disco and classic oldies hits. So far, they’ve made appearances all over city, from the Hurricane Grill on Greenville to Martini Park in Plano. “It’s been really awesome working with such a talented group of people,” she said. “It’s a perfect fit for me, the music and energy. And they’ve kept me busy with four, sometimes five nights a week gigs.” However, recording in the studio has been keeping her the busiest. She said she recently posted new tracks, “Oooh Baby” and “Dreams” on her myspace.com page, which has already attracted listeners to download onto their own pages. She said that’s been the coolest, being able to hear her music uploaded on someone else’s page – it’s the best form of flattery she believes, “like listening to yourself on the radio.” Myspace.com has also helped her to connect to different aspects of the music industry. In fact, she said it has opened up a ton of opportunities for her than she could imagine, being able to chat with producers from Atlanta all the way to Japan. “I think more people should take advantage, if you’re trying to network or put your name out there,” she said. “Then [myspace] is definitely the way to do it.” To follow up on Rion Fox, and her road to fame visit, www.rionfox.com. xcentrix magazine JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2007
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photo by Courtney Perry
studio lounge
There are not many programs for teens that
Giving Back to Community Youth by susie dillon
Program director Brandy Schimmel gives school-age parents a second chance
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will motivate them to complete high school and continue on to college – but Brandy Schimmel set out to change that with Promising Partners. “I was a teen parent myself at the age of 16. With the support of Marilyn Sanders, program coordinator for the Lewisville ISD School Age Parent Program, and my family, I finished high school and went on to college,” the executive director said, when asked “why” she created the program. “I wanted to develop a mentoring program that would give back to the program that gave so much to me.” She said she found that there was a lot less support for the current class of school-age parents than there was in the ‘90’s. Also, she said she believes in “second chances, dreams and achieving.” She is one of 14 recipients of the 2006 Governor’s Volunteer Award, an individual community motivator. The One Star Foundation states, “Out of her own experiences, Schimmel envisioned a program to mentor teen parents. Promising Partners provides valuable parenting skills and helps young parents graduate from high school.” The program now has partnerships with every high school and middle school in the Lewisville ISD. Promising Partner’s mission statement is to believe that teens can rise above stereotypes and poverty to become “stronger self-determined” people with an enhanced quality of life. And someone who can help teens to get to this point is a mentor. Mentors are volunteers who are teamed with a teenage parent in a one-on-one situation. The mentors meet with the mentees once a week for 30-45 minutes. Schimmel said the mentors can be, “. . . a friend, support system, and guide for the future and a shoulder to lean on. Our mentors build relationships with the school-age parents. They can listen to complaints, help figure out goals or just talk about a favorite show.” She said mainly, it depends on the type of relationship that is built between the individuals. The goal is to give the school-age parent someone to talk with that can help them to understand that they are not only a teen, but also a mother/father, and despite that still have dreams for a future. Mentoring with Promising Partners is easy it’s about listening, she said. “Our goal is to provide the school-age parent a friend and someone that will help them to achieve their goals,” Schimmel stated. Mentors can be found at www.volunteermatch.com,
Flower Mound United Methodist Church and in the surrounding community. Promising Partners holds orientation sessions where people can learn more about the process and decide if its the right program for them. Training sessions are required before placement. If someone decides that mentoring is not for them, there are other ways to assist with the organization. Occasionally, there are fundraisers, mailings, and recruitment assistance needed. Community awareness and donations are also key ways to assist, according to Schimmel. She said that partnerships and sponsorships are also needed to benefit the program. Existing partners already include Lewisville ISD, the School Age Parent Program, and Flower Mound United Methodist Church. And she was excited to add, “This year we are also a new service project for Soroptimist International of Dallas. Promising Partners is always looking for partners in the community. Without the support of the community and individuals we would not be able to function as a non-profit.” Financial donations are always welcome. When asked about possibilities for donations, Schimmel responded enthusiastically, “Yes, yes, yes. We are always taking donations for general program functions, as well as, our scholarship fund for upcoming graduates. We want these parents to graduate and become someone some day. We encourage further education and training for the future.” Readers who are interested in becoming a mentor, partner, or to give a donation please check out Promising Partners’ website www.promisingpartners.com
the stats
*
1 out of every 11 eighteen-year-olds 1 out of every 16 seventeen-year-olds 1 out of every 27 sixteen-year-olds 1 out of every 58 fifteen-year-olds 1 out of every 967 thirteen-year-olds 1 out of every 5,280 twelve-year-olds
gets pregnant gets pregnant gets pregnant gets pregnant gets pregnant gets pregnant
*as reported by the Texas Department of Health Public Health Region 3 (North Texas are including Lewisville/Flower Mound) Texas Teen Pregnancy and Birth Facts 2001
xcentrix magazine JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2007
studio lounge
photo courtesy of istockphoto
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Antonio Wingfield by ebony moore photos by jarriel jones
Black Lace Halter Gown Accented With Maribou Feathers: $1700
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Revered as a man of many talents – art, music, but most notably, fashion – Antonio Wingfield is Dallas’ own high fashion mogul. His style is unlike any other Southerner, his inspiration from couture Yves Saint Laurent and Mississippian Patrick Kelly, his background stemming in Paris, France and Chicago and, not to mention, his appetite for more. His newest venture being, AFM (Art, Fashion, Music) Productions launched under his parent company, Wingfield Inc. will host a myriad of projects – from playwriting to a magazine. Yet, his private clientele-only studio and designer garments place him in an untouchable category. For more information on Antonio Wingfield and his collections, visit www.wingfieldinc.com.
Gray Knit Cotton/Lycra Blend Sweater: $125
xcentrix magazine JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2007
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Black & Gray Cotton/Lycra Blend Sweater: $225
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xcentrix magazine JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2007
Steel Unknown Waco’s newest rock band, Steel Loaded, proves chivalrous and rock-worthy. by ryan sanders
Talk with any member of Waco’s hottest new band and the ironies stick in your mind like a Metallica bass line. The four Central Texas rockers known as Steel Loaded are an eclectic group, a seeming collection of paradoxes. The band’s Website, www.steelloaded.com, as well as its live shows, feature bare-chested, tattooed, snarling, screaming young men. One recent show was performed to benefit a two-month-old boy, Tadum, with a lifethreatening medical condition. And the band raced to that show after a Katrina relief gig the same day. Heavy metal for healthy kids? Rockers with noblesse
oblige? This is just one of the many mash-ups that make Steel Loaded an interesting study. Founded in 2005, the group of four young men with undeniable talent. Taylor Williams, 23, the group’s backbone. He’s been playing guitar since age six and was the impetus behind forming the band, something he says he’s wanted to do since fifth grade. Williams serves as lead guitar, roadie, publicist, accountant, and whatever other offices need to be filled. Williams’ close friend Kevin Knox, also 23, plays bass. Rance Northern, the youngest at 22, and the fieriest of the foursome, bangs the drums. xcentrix magazine JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2007
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And front man Brian Courtney, 25, belts out his own lyrics with a voice that encourages listeners to imagine another paradox – thrash rock with soul. Courtney sports contact lenses with horror-flick effects: cat eyes, zombie eyes, red eyes, etc. His lyrics are packed with the expected amount of rocker angst (“demons in my head”…“she thinks I’m insane”...“get the f-- out”, etc.). But asked about his favorite themes to sing about, Courtney’s first response is “joy of life.” Or consider the very name of the band. Williams explained that Steel Loaded is a combination of references to energy, weaponry, alcohol and power lifting. And, who is the brainstormer who aided Williams in conceiving such a moniker? – His mother. And then there’s the most obvious paradox…a band from Waco. Moreover, a rock band from Waco. A metal band in Baylor-land? By most any measure, Waco is not a Texas treasure trove of tuneful talent. “Right now the biggest thing Waco is known for is probably the Branch Davidians,” said Jeff Gordon, co-owner of Audio Rant (www.audiorant.com), and organizer of Steel Loaded’s upcoming tour. “It would be nice to have Waco known for Steel Loaded.” The tour, expected to launch in June, will cover 65 cities in 90 days. It is the largest tour ever produced by Gordon or his company and the first tour ever for Steel Loaded. An ambitious beginning to be sure, but Gordon and the band are optimistic about the future. “We’re thinking Grammy’s and stuff like that. We’re trying to think big,” Courtney said. Gordon is no less optimistic, but tempered by the
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reality of a competitive industry. “It seems like they’re going to make it big,” he said. “As long as they are able to work hard, keep together, and understand what the goals are, the sky is the limit for these guys. I’m trying to get them to understand that legwork is what it takes to make it out there.” By the end of this month, the band will have finished its second CD – a five-track demo produced as much for label-shopping as for consumer enjoyment. The material is all new since the 11-track debut release, “You Don’t Know Me.” Knox said songwriting is a collaborate effort for the group. “Every song has some of each of us in it,” he said. “Taylor will come up with a lick, then I’ll add something, and it goes like that. We used to be able to make a song in one day. Now it’s starting to take longer.” But according to Gordon and several fans of Steel Loaded who frequent the band’s online message board, studio work isn’t what wins fans. It’s the band’s presence. “One of the things that captured me with them is their stage presence,” Gordon remembered. “People in the audience relate to them. They caught and kept people’s attention and people remembered.” The band remembers too…with bruises. “We bring a lot of energy when we play, and we like the crowd to have a lot of fun,” Williams said. “I’m still sore from the last show we did.” There’s also a certain amount of sex appeal, Gordon stated. “Brian’s voice really rings out,” he said. “The ladies hear that and they eat it up.”
our contributors Jarriel Jones is the
owner and CEO of Sessions Studio. His work is shown throughout most of this issue.
Ryan Sanders is a
former newspaper reporter and founder of Ichthus Creative Guild, a full-service marketing, communications, and public relations company. He lives in Irving with his wife and two children.
CEO of DFW Entertainment and Cail Productions, LLC Dennis Cail is an innovative writer and entrepreneur. As a writer and producer, Dennis is also in the process of releasing several hit shows and a series of books, including, Relationship DNA and Road Kill.
also thanks to: susie dillon, najah byron and star ford
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