May 5, 2011

The Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin says she will never retire. Franklin, 69, just released her 28th studio album Aretha: A Woman Falling Out Of Love. Franklin says she would like to see either Fantasia or Jennifer Hudson play her on the big screen when a movie is made on her life. She also says a summer tour is in the works, and she will be in the area at the Mann Center For The Performing Arts this summer. Al Green and R Kelly are also scheduled to do shows this summer at The Mann.

What’s going on with Tina Turner? According to published reports, Turner, 71, has been battling a drinking problem. Friends say family problems have been heavy on her mind. With the recent death of her sister Ruby and her son’s (Ike, Jr.) drug problems, Turner has turned to drinking. Biographer Mark Bego says Turner should enter rehab. Her family problems have been mounting for a while. Ike, Jr. has been addicted to crack for years, and Turner feels she can’t help him.

The twins are here! Moroccan Scott and Monroe Cannon arrived on Saturday. Parents Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon are overjoyed with their boy and girl. The couple recently celebrated their third wedding anniversary, and the Reverend Al Sharpton renewed their vows.

Laila Ali is getting ready to launch a new beauty line. The line will include hair, fragrance and skin care products.

Actress Regina King directed the video for the Kelly Price/Stokely song Not My Daddy.

President Obama will be on 60 Minutes this Sunday talking about the death of Osama bin Laden.

Joe Jackson, the patriarch of the Jackson family, has found a new way to cash in on the Jackson name. Papa Joe is launching a new fragrance: Timeless From Neverland.

In more Jackson news, Jermaine is back in the United States. Jackson had his passport taken away when he refused to pay child support to his ex-wife Alejandra. Jackson was spotted living large with his rich Arabian girlfriend. A lot of people are wondering why he has money problems if his girlfriend has money. Jackson is cheap, and he doesn’t want to support his ex and their kids.

Actor Isaiah Washington, who was fired from Grey’s Anatomy for making a gay slur against a co-worker, has written a new book. The book, A Man from Another Land: How Finding My Roots Changed My Life, explores how traveling to Africa helped him find himself as he tries to get his career back on track.

Look for Paula Abdul to team up with Simon Cowell for his talent competition series The X-Factor. The show debuts in the fall on FOX, and will feature Music Executive L.A. Reid, British Singer Cheryl Cole, Abdul and Cowell. Mariah Carey will also be a part of the show, but her role has not been revealed. High School Musical Star Corbin Blue is also rumored to be joining the show as a co-host with already confirmed Pussycat Doll Singer Nicole Scherzinger.

NBC has a hit on their hands with the singing competition show The Voice. Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Cee-Lo Green and Christina Aguilera are the show’s judges, and the talent has been amazing. What sets this show apart from other singing reality shows is that you don’t see who is singing. You just hear their amazing voices. The ratings for the show have been impressive. Last week, they beat Dancing With The Stars in the ratings.

The 2011 summer season for The Dell Music Center has been announced. Look for some exciting changes this season, including a new night. Thursday will be the new concert night ....no more Monday concerts. A gazebo is being built for coverage in the front. Video screens will be added so you can really enjoy the shows. A marquee is being added in the front to announce the shows. There will be more concessions stands with a better variety of food, including fruit. You can pre-register for tickets at mydelleast.com. The Dell Music Center is located at 33rd and Ridge Avenue. The season kicks off June 23rd with Nancy Wilson and Najee, and the rest of the line up is scheduled as:

July 7th – Angie Stone and Joe;

July 14th- Stephanie Mills and Keith Washington;

July 21st - A Tribute To The Sound Of Philadelphia starring The Delfonics, Jean Carne, Russell Thompkins, Jr. & The New Stylistics, The Jones Girls, and “The Iceman” Jerry Butler;

July 28th - Ginuwine, Tank and Avant;

August 4th - Fred Hammond, Martha Munizzi and E. Daniels;

August 11th- Jeffrey Osborne and Marsha Ambrosius;

August 18th – Will Downing, Kirk Whalum and Gerald Albright;

August 25th- Rachelle Ferrell and Angela Winbush;

Steve Harvey’s best-selling book Act Like A Lady… Think Like A Man is being made into a movie. Producer Will Packer (Obsessed, This Christmas, Takers and Stomp The Yard) is directing. Packer says filming will start this summer. Kevin Hart will be starring in the movie. Hart’s latest comedy tour, Feel My Pain, is coming to theatres this fall.

Katie Couric, former Today Show host and anchor of The CBS Evening News, just released a great book called The Best Advice I Ever Got: Lessons From Extraordinary Lives. Couric’s book features advice from Michael J. Fox, Mo’Nique, Larry King, Maya Angelou, Alicia Keys, Ellen DeGeneres, Morgan Freeman, Bill Cosby and Tavis Smiley, just to name a few. I love this book, and the advice dished out is very good. Couric will step down as the anchor of The CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes’ Scott Pelley will take over June 6th.

Cedric The Entertainer is in talks to get a spinoff of the TV Land show Hot In Cleveland.

The Wawa Welcome America celebration has quite a lineup. On June 23rd, it’s Nancy Wilson in concert at The Dell Music Center. Aaron Neville and Gerald Veasley will be appearing at Penns Landing, and on Monday, July 4th, it’s The Roots, Earth Wind & Fire, Jazzy Jeff, Michael McDonald, Estelle and a tribute to Gamble & Huff and the 40th anniversary of Philadelphia International Records at the Art Museum.

Beyonce is teaming up with First Lady Michelle Obama for her childhood obesity campaign. Beyonce says it’s important for kids to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Jay-Z’s Mrs. returns with a new album in June. Other new releases include Raphael Saadiq (Stone Rollin’) on May 10th and Mary J. Blige is releasing My Life II: The Journey Continues in September.

Get ready for new music from Jill Scott’s The Light Of The Sun album featuring the singles So In Love with Anthony Hamilton and Shame with Rapper Eve. The new album drops June 28th, and you can preorder it now on I-Tunes. Also from Jill is Jill Scott From The Vault: Volume I. That’s coming out later this spring featuring a remake of the Bill Withers classic Lovely Day.

Denzel Washington has started filming on the movie Safe House with Ryan Reynolds and Tim McGraw. The Oscar winner will also be the commencement speaker for the University of Penn’s 2011 graduation ceremonies. The two-time Oscar winner will also get an honorary degree at the May 16th event. Washington’s 18-year old son Malcolm is a sophomore at the school.

BET is stepping up its Game, starting with The Game. The show became a hit when it moved to the cable network after being cancelled by The CW. It’s been renewed for 22 episodes and will return to BET in January. The sitcom Let’s Stay Together has also been renewed, and Tracee Ellis Ross (Girlfriends) and Malcolm-Jamal Warner (The Cosby Show) will play a professional married couple in the comedy Read Between The Lines, which will debut in October.

In more BET news, Alicia Keys will be on the cable network a lot this June. She’ll be performing at The BET Awards when they air live June 26th. Keys is celebrating the 10th anniversary of her debut album. That album, Songs In A Minor, is being re-released as a deluxe edition on June 28th. Keys will also have a BET special celebrating the album airing in June.

The Oprah Winfrey Show finale is going to be huge. Oprah will say goodbye after 25 years with a huge Hollywood sendoff. May 23rd and 24th will feature Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Tyler Perry, Tom Cruise, Mary J. Blige, Patti LaBelle, Beyonce, Jamie Foxx and Usher, just to name a few.

Shirley Strawberry, the co-host of The Steve Harvey Morning Show, is telling all in her new book The Strawberry Letter: Real Talk, Real Advice Because Bitterness Is Not Sexy. The book features the best of the Strawberry letters along with her advice and what it’s like working with Steve Harvey.

Aaron McCargo, Jr. is on a roll. The Camden, NJ native and season 4 winner of The Next Food Network Star is adding the title of author to his resume. McCargo has finished his first cookbook called Simply Done, Well Done. The book is in stores now. McCargo’s Food Network show Big Daddy’s House airs Fridays at 9:30am and Saturdays at 9am.

It’s the cast of Jumping The Broom on the new issue of Ebony magazine. Bishop T. D. Jakes’ new movie is in theatres Friday. The movie stars Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Paula Patton, Mike Epps, Lil’ Romeo, Tasha Smith, Megan Goode and Laz Alonso. Alonso is also one of the stars of the A&E show Breakout Kings. I had a chance to see the movie and it’s excellent. Go see for yourself. The performances are outstanding, and you will feel the love with this movie.

The new season of the HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm kicks off July 10th for its eighth season.

Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff are being honored once again in Philadelphia. The Chamber Orchestra Of Philadelphia will give the songwriting producing duo the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award. It all takes place Saturday, May 21st at The Westin Philadelphia, 17th and Chestnut Streets. The honor is part of a two-year celebration for the songwriters/producers who’ve worked with The O’Jays, Lou Rawls, The Jacksons, Jerry Butler, Patti LaBelle, Teddy Pendergrass, The Jones Girls, The Three Degrees, Billy Paul, Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes and Phyllis Hyman. This year marks the 40th anniversary of their famed Philly International label, and 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the Gamble & Huff songwriting partnership, which includes the songs Me & Mrs. Jones, If You Don’t Know Me By Now, You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine and Love Train.

Sade is teaming up with Jay-Z for her next project. The song, The Moon And The Sky, is featured on her ultimate collection set, which is in stores now. The CD will include 29 tracks: 25 classics and four new songs. It’s a 2-CD set. This will be the first time Sade has collaborated with anyone. John Legend will be opening for her as she embarks on her U.S. tour. They will be in Philly Fathers’ Day Sunday, June 19th at The Wells Fargo Center.

It’s a new honor for Stevie Wonder. He’s getting inducted into the Apollo Theatre Hall Of Fame on June 13th. Past honorees include Michael Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin.

The West Oak Lane Jazz And Arts Festival returns to Ogontz Avenue June 17th through the 19th with Chaka Khan, The Men Of Soul (Jeffrey Osborne/Peabo Bryson/Freddie Jackson/Howard Hewett), Chrisette Michele and Roy Ayers. Before she comes to town, Chaka Khan will be getting a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame on May 19th. She’s also working on a new album with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

Speaking of The West Oak Lane Jazz And Arts Festival 2011, if you're a talented singer or musician, get ready for the Rising Star Talent Search. The winner will get cash and a chance to perform at the West Oak Lane Jazz Festival. Auditions kick off at Relish, 7152 Ogontz Avenue. WDAS’ own Mimi Brown will be hosting. To register call 215-922-5455.

A documentary based on the life of Singer/Actor Harry Belafonte is coming to HBO. The documentary Sing Your Song debuts this fall.

Nelson Mandela is coming out with a book of quotes. Nelson Mandela By Himself features over 2,000 quotes pulled from public speeches and private papers. The former president of South Africa turns 93 in July.

Marc Anthony is joining the cast of Hawthorne, the Jada Pinkett Smith nursing drama on the TNT network. Anthony will play a police detective that gets close to Smith’s character. The 3rd season of Hawthorne kicks off this summer.

This Saturday, its The Mother’s Day Weekend Music Festival is happening in Atlantic City. The Whispers, Keith Sweat and Charlie Wilson will take the stage at The Boardwalk Hall. For tickets and info call 1-800-736-1420.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Box Office Legend has been seen around town with a much younger Woman. Is it love, or a distraction from a rumored lifestyle?

Special Events!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am being honored on Friday, May 13th at The 2nd Annual DeSean Jackson Foundation For Pancreatic Cancer. The event is being held at the Waterworks 640 Water Works Drive in Philadelphia. I am being honored along with Anchor Renee Chenault-Fattah of NBC-10. In addition to the gala, we will be raising awareness about pancreatic cancer. For ticket info check out the website Foundation10.com

The 2011 West Oak Lane Jazz And Arts Festival June 17-19th. For The Love Of Music will feature Chaka Khan; The Men Of Soul: Jeffrey Osborne, Howard Hewitt, Freddie Jackson and Peabo Bryson; Norman Conners; Christian McBride; Chrisette Michele; Eddie Palimieri; Roy Ayers; Gerald Veasley; Bootsie Barnes and The Philadelphia Jazz Heritage Ensemble, to name a few. The festival is happening between 71st and 74th Streets on Ogontz Avenue.

Check out who’s coming to town:

This Friday at 7pm - It’s An Evening With Tavis Smiley at the University Of The Arts, 401 South Broad Street. Smiley celebrates his 20th year in broadcasting. His show airs weeknights on WHYY at 11:30 pm. Tavis is promoting his new book Fail Up! For more info call 215-351-0511.

This Saturday – Mother’s Day Weekend Music Festival starring The Whispers, Keith Sweat and Charlie Wilson at The Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For tickets and info call 1-800-736-1420.

This Saturday- The Mother’s Day Music Fest After Party at Trump Plaza Hotel in Atlantic City, 11pm until 4am with Doc B , DJ Gary O & Jazzy Joe.

This Sunday- Eric Benet in concert at Caesars in Atlantic City at the Maximus Theatre. Log onto ppshows.com or call Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420.

This Sunday- Mint Condition at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside.

Thursday, May 26th - Raphael Saadiq at the Electric Factory Concert Hall, 7th Street near Callowhill.

May 27th- The Temptations Revue featuring Dennis Edwards at The New Palladium, 229 West Allegheny Avenue. For more info 267-773-8411.

Saturday, May 28th- Comedy Show with Comedian Eddie Griffin at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside. For info call 215-336-2000 or ticketmaster.com.

Saturday, June 11th- Smokey Robinson at Caesars in Atlantic City.

Sunday, June 19th – Sade and John Legend in concert at the Wells Fargo Center (formerly the Wachovia Center).

July 1st & July 3rd – Earth, Wind & Fire at the Borgata in Atlantic City.

July 3rd- R Kelly, Keyshia Cole and Marsha Ambrosius at The Mann Center For The Performing Arts, 52nd and Parkside.

Saturday, July 30th- The Rick Watson stage play For Better Or For Worse Starring Yvette Money, Actor Tank, John Canada Terrell, WDAS’ own Mimi Brown and Singer Tony Terry at the Merriam Theatre for more info call 215-893-1999

September 3rd- Atlantic City Comedy Festival starring Mike Epps, Sommore, Sheryl Underwood, Bruce-Bruce and Arnez J at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For more info contact ticketmaster.com.

April 10th, 2012- Cirque De Soleil Show featuring the music of Michael Jackson at the Wells Fargo Center (formerly the Wachovia Center).

If you would like more info please email me at pattyj1053@aol.com or check me out with my Midday reports at 10:35, 12:35 and 2:35 pm during the day.

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Wednesday, April 27, 2011
4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 25TH, 2011


I’m tweeting now! You can follow me on Twitter @mspattyjackson. You can also check me out on Facebook: Patty Jackson-WDASFM. Hit the like button.

Filming is set to start next week on Tyler Perry’s new movie Good Deeds with Gabrielle Union, Thandie Newton, Beverly Johnson, and Rebecca Romijn. In the romantic comedy, Perry plays a guy who’s set to marry an uptown girl when he falls in love with a downtrodden single mom. Perry had an amazing opening weekend with Madea’s Big Happy Family. The TBS network recently announced plans to cancel Perry’s House Of Payne TV show, which starred Allen Payne, LaVan Davis and Lance Gross. After five years and seven seasons, the show is ending. House Of Payne is going to be replaced with another Tyler Perry production, For Better Or Worse. This show is based on his hit movie Why Did I Get Married. The TV version will star Tasha Smith and Michael Jai White reprising their roles from the movie as the battling hairdresser and sportscaster.

Desperate Housewives Star Vanessa Williams is teaming up with her mom to write a motivational book for women. Williams’ mom, Helen Williams, is a retired music teacher. The book due out next year and will deal with family, fear, success and loss.

Get ready for the Milli Vanilli movie. Back in the 90’s, the music world was stunned by the singing duo of Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan, who won a Grammy for music they never sang on. The lip singing scandal ruined their careers, and Rob died years later from drug abuse. Milli Vanilli’s biggest hit was the pop smash Girl You Know It’s True.

Look for Paula Abdul to team up with Simon Cowell for his talent competition series The X-Factor. The show debuts in the fall on FOX, and will feature Music Executive L.A. Reid, British Singer Cheryl Cole, Abdul and Cowell. Mariah Carey will also be a part of the show, but her role has not been revealed. She and hubby Nick Cannon are awaiting the birth of their twins.

Singer Phoebe Snow died this week. The 60-year old singer was best known for the songs Poetry Man and Never Letting Go. Snow suffered a brain hemorrhage in January 2010 and never recovered. Snow sang the theme for the first season of the TV show A Different World, and was the voice behind many commercials. Snow put her career on hold when her daughter, Valerie Rose Laub, was born disabled. Snow was told her daughter wouldn’t live long, but Valerie lived to be 3-years old and died in 2007.

Toni Braxton and her sisters are featured on the new issue of Jet magazine. The Braxton sisters are enjoying a lot success with their reality show Braxton Family Values on the WE network. Toni says she is having fun with the show, but she admits she makes her money with shows that she does overseas. Toni recently completed a personal finance management course, which she took under court order. Toni made headlines when she filed for bankruptcy for a second time. Toni is in debt between $10 and $50 million.

Congrats to former American Idol Contestant Justin Guarini, Justin and his wife Reina are the proud parents of a baby boy, William.

Will Diana Ross abide by the wishes of Michael Jackson’s will? According to close sources, yes. The King Of Pop stated in his will that in the event his mother passes, he would like Diana Ross to take custody of his three children. Jackson always admired the way The Boss raised her children. Katherine Jackson currently has custody of Prince, Paris and Blanket. She turns 81 next week. I have had the chance to interview Diana’s children: Evan, Tracee, and Rhonda Ross. Despite their Hollywood upbringing, I found them to be very well adjusted and nice. They all have successful careers.

Kirstie Alley may not win Dancing With The Stars, but there will be life after the show. Alley has been getting offers from HBO and The TV Land network.

Teena Marie’s 19-year old daughter, Alia Rose, opened up to Essence magazine about the loss of her mom. It’s been almost five months since Marie died, and Alia Rose admits she is learning how to live alone and is leaning on her faith to get her through the tough times.

The 2011 summer season for The Dell Music Center has been announced. Look for some exciting changes this season, including a new night. Thursday will be the new concert night ....no more Monday concerts. A gazebo is being built for coverage in the front. Video screens will be added so you can really enjoy the shows. A marquee is being added in the front to announce the shows. There will be more concessions stands with a better variety of food, including fruit. You can pre-register for tickets at mydelleast.com. The Dell Music Center is located at 33rd and Ridge Avenue. The season kicks off June 23rd with Nancy Wilson and Najee, and the rest of the line up is scheduled as:

July 7th – Angie Stone and Joe;

July 14th- Stephanie Mills and Keith Washington;

July 21st - A Tribute To The Sound Of Philadelphia starring The Delfonics, Jean Carne, Russell Thompkins, Jr. & The New Stylistics, The Jones Girls, and “The Iceman” Jerry Butler;

July 28th - Ginuwine, Tank and Avant;

August 4th - Fred Hammond, Martha Munizzi and E. Daniels;

August 11th- Jeffrey Osborne and Marsha Ambrosius;

August 18th – Will Downing, Kirk Whalum and Gerald Albright;

August 25th- Rachelle Ferrell and Angela Winbush;


Steve Harvey’s best-selling book Act Like A Lady Think Like A Man is being made into a movie. Producer Will Packer (Obsessed, This Christmas, Takers and Stomp The Yard) is directing. Packer says filming will start this summer.

Katie Couric, former Today Show host and anchor of the CBS Evening News, just released a great book called The Best Advice I Ever Got: Lessons From Extraordinary Lives. Couric’s book features advice from Michael J. Fox, Mo’Nique, Larry King, Maya Angelou, Alicia Keys, Ellen DeGeneres, Morgan Freeman, Bill Cosby and Tavis Smiley, just to name a few. I love this book, and the advice dished out is very good.

Cedric The Entertainer is in talks to get a spinoff of the TV Land show Hot In Cleveland.

Kevin Hart latest comedy tour, Laugh At My Pain, is being made into a movie. Filming is currently underway in the city at the Laff House and Community College, which are stops on Hart’s tour. The movie documentary debuts this fall.

The Wawa Welcome America celebration has quite a lineup. On June 23rd, it’s Nancy Wilson in concert at The Dell Music Center. Aaron Neville and Gerald Veasley will be appearing at Penns Landing, and on Monday, July 4th, it’s The Roots, Earth Wind & Fire, Jazzy Jeff, Michael McDonald, Estelle and a tribute to Gamble & Huff and the 40th anniversary of Philadelphia International Records at the Art Museum.

Beyonce is teaming up with First Lady Michelle Obama for her childhood obesity campaign. Beyonce says it’s important for kids to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Jay-Z’s Mrs. returns with a new album in June. Other new releases include Musiq Soulchild (MusiqInTheMagiq) on May 3rd, Raphael Saadiq (Stone Rollin’) on May 10th and Mary J. Blige is releasing My Life II: The Journey Continues in September.

Get ready for new music from Jill Scott’s The Light Of The Sun album featuring the singles So In Love with Anthony Hamilton and Shame with Rapper Eve. The new album drops June 28th, and you can preorder it now on I-Tunes. Also from Jill is Jill Scott From The Vault: Volume I. That’s coming out later this spring featuring a remake of the Bill Withers classic Lovely Day.

Denzel Washington has started filming on the movie Safe House with Ryan Reynolds and Tim McGraw. The Oscar winner will also be the commencement speaker for the University of Penn’s 2011 graduation ceremonies. The two-time Oscar winner will also get an honorary degree at the May 16th event. Washington’s 18-year old son Malcolm is a sophomore at the school.

BET is stepping up its Game, starting with The Game. The show became a hit when it moved to the cable network after being cancelled by The CW. It’s been renewed for 22 episodes and will return to BET in January. The sitcom Let’s Stay Together has also been renewed, and Tracee Ellis Ross (Girlfriends) and Malcolm-Jamal Warner (The Cosby Show) will play a professional married couple in the comedy Read Between The Lines, which will debut in October.

In more BET news, Alicia Keys will be on the cable network a lot this June. She’ll be performing at The BET Awards when they air live June 26th. Keys is celebrating the 10th anniversary of her debut album. That album, Songs In A Minor, is being re-released as a deluxe edition on June 28th. Keys will also have a BET special celebrating the album airing in June.

The Oprah Winfrey Show finale is going to be huge. Oprah will say goodbye after 25 years with a huge Hollywood sendoff. May 23rd and 24th will feature Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Tyler Perry, Tom Cruise, Mary J. Blige, Patti LaBelle, Beyonce, Jamie Foxx and Usher, just to name a few. On May 2nd, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will be visiting Oprah.

Shirley Strawberry, the co-host of The Steve Harvey Morning Show, is telling all in her new book The Strawberry Letter: Real Talk, Real Advice Because Bitterness Is Not Sexy. The book features the best of the Strawberry letters along with her advice and what it’s like working with Steve Harvey.

Aaron McCargo, Jr. is on a roll. The Camden, NJ native and season 4 winner of The Next Food Network Star is adding the title of author to his resume. McCargo has finished his first cookbook called Simply Done, Well Done. The book is in stores now. McCargo’s Food Network show Big Daddy’s House airs Fridays at 9:30am and Saturdays at 9am.

It’s the cast of Jumping The Broom on the new issue of Ebony magazine. Bishop T. D. Jakes’ new movie opens in theatres May 6th on Mothers Day Weekend. The movie stars Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Paula Patton, Mike Epps, Lil’ Romeo, Tasha Smith, Megan Goode and Laz Alonso. Alonso is also one of the stars of the A&E show Breakout Kings. I had a chance to see the movie and it’s excellent. Go see for yourself. The performances are outstanding, and you will feel the love with this movie. If you’d like to win a screening of the movie for 100 (you and your friends) go to Ebony.com.

The new season of the HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm kicks off July 10th for its eighth season.

Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff are being honored once again in Philadelphia. The Chamber Orchestra Of Philadelphia will give the songwriting producing duo the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award. It all takes place Saturday, May 21st at The Westin Philadelphia, 17th and Chestnut Streets. The honor is part of a two-year celebration for the songwriters/producers who’ve worked with The O’Jays, Lou Rawls, The Jacksons, Jerry Butler, Patti LaBelle, Teddy Pendergrass, The Jones Girls, The Three Degrees, Billy Paul, Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes and Phyllis Hyman. This year marks the 40th anniversary of their famed Philly International label, and 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the Gamble & Huff songwriting partnership, which includes the songs Me & Mrs. Jones, If You Don’t Know Me By Now, You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine and Love Train.

Sade is teaming up with Jay-Z for her next project. The song, The Moon And The Sky, will be featured on her ultimate collection set, which is due out May 3rd. The CD will include 29 tracks: 25 classics and four new songs. It’s a 2-CD set. This will be the first time Sade has collaborated with anyone. John Legend will be opening for her as she embarks on her U.S. tour. They will be in Philly Fathers’ Day Sunday, June 19th at The Wells Fargo Center.

It’s a new honor for Stevie Wonder. He’s getting inducted into the Apollo Theatre Hall Of Fame on June 13th. Past honorees include Michael Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin.

The West Oak Lane Jazz And Arts Festival returns to Ogontz Avenue June 17th through the 19th with Chaka Khan, The Men Of Soul (Jeffrey Osborne/Peabo Bryson/Freddie Jackson/Howard Hewett), Chrisette Michele and Roy Ayers. Before she comes to town, Chaka Khan will be getting a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame on May 19th. She’s also working on a new album with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Chaka is also on the cover of the new issue of Upscale magazine.

Speaking of The West Oak Lane Jazz And Arts Festival 2011, if you're a talented singer or musician, get ready for the Rising Star Talent Search. The winner will get cash and a chance to perform at the West Oak Lane Jazz Festival. Auditions kick off at Relish, 7152 Ogontz Avenue. WDAS’ own Mimi Brown will be hosting. To register call 215-922-5455.

A documentary based on the life of Singer/Actor Harry Belafonte is coming to HBO. The documentary Sing Your Song debuts this fall.

Nelson Mandela is coming out with a book of quotes. Nelson Mandela By Himself features over 2,000 quotes pulled from public speeches and private papers. The former president of South Africa turns 93 in July.

Singer Kem is coming out with a new fragrance. He hopes to have his fragrance Secure out by Mother’s Day.

Marc Anthony is joining the cast of Hawthorne, the Jada Pinkett Smith nursing drama on the TNT network. Anthony will play a police detective that gets close to Smith’s character. The 3rd season of Hawthorne kicks off this summer.

On Saturday, May 7th, The Mother’s Day Weekend Music Festival is happening in Atlantic City. The Whispers, Keith Sweat and Charlie Wilson will take the stage at The Boardwalk Hall. For tickets and info call 1-800-736-1420.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Looks like football is a safe haven for more than one reason: There’s more to these recent stabbings than meets the eye.


Special Events!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am being honored on Friday, May 13th at The 2nd Annual DeSean Jackson Foundation For Pancreatic Cancer. The event is being held at the Waterworks 640 Water Works Drive in Philadelphia. I am being honored along with Anchor Renee Chenault-Fattah of NBC-10. In addition to the gala, we will be raising awareness about pancreatic cancer. For ticket info check out the website Foundation10.com

The 2011 West Oak Lane Jazz And Arts Festival June 17-19th. For The Love Of Music will feature Chaka Khan; The Men Of Soul: Jeffrey Osborne, Howard Hewitt, Freddie Jackson and Peabo Bryson; Norman Conners; Christian McBride; Chrisette Michele; Eddie Palimieri; Roy Ayers; Gerald Veasley; Bootsie Barnes and The Philadelphia Jazz Heritage Ensemble, to name a few. The festival is happening between 71st and 74th Streets on Ogontz Avenue.

Check out who’s coming to town:

This Saturday, April 30th- Bring Back The Love Tour starring K-Ci & JoJo, Dru Hill, Carl Thomas and Case. It’s a 90’s grown and sexy throwback music tour at The Liacouras Center, Broad and Montgomery.

This Saturday, April 30th- Take Six at The Annenberg Center’s Zellerbach Theatre. For more info call 215-898-3900.

Friday, May 6th at 7pm - It’s An Evening With Tavis Smiley at the University Of The Arts, 401 South Broad Street. Smiley celebrates his 20th year in broadcasting. His show airs weeknights on WHYY at 11:30 pm. Tavis is promoting his new book Fail Up! For more info call 215-351-0511.

Saturday, May 7th – Mother’s Day Weekend Music Festival starring The Whispers, Keith Sweat and Charlie Wilson at The Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For tickets and info call 1-800-736-1420.

The Mother’s Day Music Fest After Party at Trump Plaza Hotel in Atlantic City, Saturday, May 7th 11pm until 4am with Doc B , DJ Gary O & Jazzy Joe.

Sunday, May 8th- Eric Benet in concert at Caesars in Atlantic City at the Maximus Theatre. Log onto ppshows.com or call Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420.

Sunday, May 8th- Mint Condition at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside.

Thursday May 26th Raphael Saadiq at the Electric Factory Concert Hall, 7th Street near Callowhill.

Saturday May 28th- Comedy Show with Comedian Eddie Griffin at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside. For info call 215-336-2000 or ticketmaster.com.

Saturday, June 11th- Smokey Robinson at Caesars in Atlantic City.

Sunday, June 19th – Sade and John Legend in concert at the Wells Fargo Center (formerly the Wachovia Center).

July 1st & July 3rd – Earth, Wind & Fire at the Borgata in Atlantic City.

July 3rd- R Kelly, Keyshia Cole and Marsha Ambrosius at The Mann Center For The Performing Arts, 52nd and Parkside.

September 3rd- Atlantic City Comedy Festival starring Mike Epps, Sommore, Sheryl Underwood, Bruce-Bruce and Arnez J at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For more info contact ticketmaster.com.

April 10th, 2012- Cirque De Soleil Show featuring the music of Michael Jackson at the Wells Fargo Center (formerly the Wachovia Center).

If you would like more info please email me at pattyj1053@aol.com or check me out with my Midday reports at 10:35, 12:35 and 2:35 pm during the day.



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