PULSE Art to Life audition for singers, musicians, dancers and actors.

PULSE Art to Life will be holding auditions for the most talented performers in Birmingham.  Singers, musicians, dancers, and actors are invited to attend and open casting call to “show us what you’ve got.” If selected you will per-form in the Unveiling Silent Auction at Steel Lounge.

Location:
Homecoming Coffee & Gift Shop
312 Sixteenth Street North
Birmingham, AL 35203
Date: Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Time: 3pm-5pm
http://mapq.st/H5nt9m
(205) 202-4088

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Imana Berry, Artistic Director
pulsearttolife@gmail.com
205-447-0372

Wendolyn Warren, Executive Director
pulsearttolife@gmail.com
678-793-5004
205-447-0372

New Performing Arts Non-profit holds Unveiling &
Silent Auction Fundraiser

Birmingham-PULSE Art to Life is currently reaching out to local
artists to “Unveil” their talents. Singers, dancers, actors and musi-
cians who have good talent now have an organization that supports
artist and help to build their careers. Performers will have the oppor-
tunity to audition and perform at the 1st Unveiling and Silent Auc-
tion, to be held May 10, 2012, at Steel Lounge on 1st and 23rd.

The mission of PULSE is to cultivate the human spirit with art edu-
cation, training and renderings designed for both the novice and
master artist; to utilize the visual and theatre arts as social preserva-
tion tools for future generations.

The Unveiling and Silent Auction is the 1st fundraiser PULSE has
had where artist will actually perform. The money raised will help
the company file for their non- profit status and come in compliance
with federal government regulations. A portions of all funds raised
will go to the local National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Alabama-
Mississippi Chapter.

Once selected by PULSE as a performer, the artist will remain a part
of the PULSE Art to Life network and are provided with opportuni-
ties to their expand public appearances, work with professionals in
their art, and learn the business side of being a working artist. The
artist will also build self-esteem, learn goal setting, and understand,
how as a performer their art can be used to bring communities to-
gether.

The 2012 Unveiling & Silent Auction auditions will be held April 4,
2012 at Homecoming Coffee & Gift Shop, 312 Sixteenth Street,
Birmingham, AL, 35203. For more information call Imani Berry at
205-447-0372.

NBC’s ‘Escape Routes’ Spotlights a Southern Gremlin

Alabama Native Iris Hill, to Join the Cast of Escape Routes Season 2

LOS ANGELES, CA – March 19, 2012 – In an effort to win $100,000 and two new 2013 Ford Escapes, Iris Hill, from NBC‟S reality series “Escape Routes will compete in a string of real world challenges while on a cross-country road trip with her best friend, Terrence Terrell.

Hill, a native of Tuscaloosa, AL and Terrell, a native of Cleveland, MS, make up The Grey Team known as “The Southern Gremlins.” The teammates, who live in Los Angeles, created the name for themselves, based on shared experiences after moving to the west coast.

“Southern Gremlins is a name we call ourselves, to remind us, that in spite of any hardship we face, we were raised in the South, so we can overcome anything,” said Hill.
Hardship in the South is a reality Hill knows all too well, as her hometown is approaching its one year anniversary of a massive tornado, which bolstered the most casualties in the state, and rendered the city unrecognizable on April 27th, 2011.

“[In the South], we hustle despite hardship, and that‟s the fabric of The Grey Team,” said Hill. “Like Ford, we‟re „built tough‟, and Terrence and I want to represent „that‟ resilience of the South, and win so we‟re able to financially assist with the rebuilding efforts of states hit hardest by tornados.”
Hill, who will be featured in all six episodes, is an Auburn University alum, with a Master‟s degree in Conservation Biology, and a Bachelor‟s degree in Pre-veterinary Zoology. An animal conservationist, with a passion for the performing arts, she has extensive experience as a trained dancer and choreographer – all driven personas the show‟s producers hope to depict.

“„[The show] is designed to give our audience an unprecedented level of engagement,” said eight-time Emmy Award-winning producer Elise Doganieri. “We are excited.”

“Escape Routes,” a new interactive prime-time reality TV show, will feature a cast of six teams participating in social media and excursion competitions. Each week, the teams will arrive in a new city where they compete in spontaneous adventures and interactive challenges using their Ford Escapes. Each stop will engage online followers, who will have the ability to interact with the cast through twitter and www.escaperoutes.com.
The show premieres March 31, 2012 at 7 PM CT/ 8 PM ET on NBC and Telemundo‟s mun2.

Seagrams Gin 2013 Model Search

Model Search!  We are looking for Local Models (professional or amateur) who are interested in participating in the 2013 Seagram’s Gin Calendar Model Search in Birmingham, AL.

Could you be Next? Have you modeled professionally or been told “You should be a Model?”

Then you just may have what it takes to Represent Alabama in the Nationally Published  2013 Seagram’s Gin Calendar?

If you and/or anyone you know is interested, please e-mail seagramsevents@aspenms.com:

• A full body shot and headshot (in jpeg or PDF format)
• A short bio of yourself (250 words or less)
• Your full contact information OR model comp card, including name, date of birth, home address, email address, and telephone number.

Model Search contest winners will be featured in the Nationally Published 2013 Calendar and receive:

• $500 Cash Prize
• 4-day/3-night stay at photo shoot at an exotic location (Location to be determined)
• Fashion/style makeover

Model Requirements

• Be 25 years of age or older by April 6 to participate (*photo ID required)
• MUST live in the state of ALABAMA in order to participate
• Be available for travel from mid-June through July 2013.
• Be available for local autograph appearances in 2012 and 2013

Application materials MUST BE received by March 24^th 11:59:59 PM E.T.  No exceptions!

Natural Hair & Health Expo comes to Birmingham

Vision Beauty Distributors presents the 1st Annual Natural Hair & Health Expo featuring Educational Workshops, Health Screenings and Exhibits.

Sunday, March 11, 2012 from 12pm – 6pm at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. 3660 Grandview Parkway (Off of Highway 280).

Make and appointment online for a free hair consultation.

Tickets available at leading salons in the Birmingham area for $20.00. For more information on this event or Booth information contact Jeffery at (205) 567-3397 or Victor at (205) 567-2086

The Cynthia Bailey Model Search headed to Birmingham

Supermodel Cynthia Bailey (@CynthiaBailey10) and The Bailey Agency School of Fashion are initiating a five-city model search, providing young talent (ages 13 and up) the resources and education they need to excel in the fashion world.

“I feel like the south has less access to the possibilities of getting discovered by scouts. It was very difficult for me getting discovered. I really didn’t have a lot of information about the business, and I definitely didn’t have any real access to figure out how to get into the business.”

Starting in the Real Housewives of Atlanta star’s Alabama hometown, the judges will travel to Charlotte, Nashville, Jackson and New Orleans looking for the girls that have “it.” The model, who cites her Essence covers as her career highlights, emphasizes education:

“It’ll be a two-day seminar. The first day will be the model search. For that day, we’re just booking for someone who has the look of what it takes to be a model. The second day is the seminar process, and they will get an opportunity to talk to industry professionals–photographers, bookers, agents, hairstylists, makeup artists.”

And ambition:

“If I hadn’t had the ambition and the courage to leave my little, small city in Alabama and go to New York City, I think my life would have been very different. I know that one choice led me to where I’m at right now.”

One finalist from every city will reconvene to compete in the South’s fashion mecca, Atlanta, Georgia. The ultimate winner of the search can anticipate a $10,000 cash reward, a contract with a model agency and a Derek Blanks-photographed spread!

Birmingham Model Search

Saturday, January 21, 2012
Sheraton Birmingham Hotel
2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd.
(Downtown Birmingham)
$25.00

Birmingham Workshops

Saturday, January 22, 2012
Sheraton Birmingham Hotel
2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd.
(Downtown Birmingham)
$199.00

 

Website: http://cynthiabaileymodelsearch.com/

Event Brite: http://thecynthiabaileymodelsearch-esearch.eventbrite.com/?srnk=24

About Cynthia Bailey

Twenty years ago, Alabama-born supermodel Cynthia Bailey moved to New York City to pursue a career as a fashion model. With nothing more than a high school homecoming queen crown and a few local beauty pageants under her belt, she knew that she had arrived when Wilhelmina Models NYC signed her to a 5-year contract. After signing with Wilhelmina, things really started to take off. Cynthia’s first booking was for the cover of Essencemagazine which became one of the magazine’s highest selling covers.

After the second Essence cover, Cynthia became a personal favorite of then Editor-In-Chief Susan Taylor and it wasn’t long before Cynthia found herself gracing the cover of Essencefor the second time. Taylor banked on Cynthia’s repeat appeal to her readers and it paid off – the second cover literally flew off the newsstands.

Cynthia’s next move was to Paris and Milan, where she could be seen strutting down the runways at Paris and Milan Fashion Week. After living abroad for almost a year, Cynthia returned to New York City and was in high demand, landing campaigns for Maybelline, Oil of Olay and Target. Magazine editorials for Vogue, Glamour, Elle, Essence and Vanity Fair soon followed. Over the years, Cynthia has become a very recognized face for Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Talbots, Chicos, and Target. One of Cynthia’s biggest career moments was being chosen over Naomi Campbell for a co-starring role opposite Sandra Bernhardt in the film Without You I’m Nothing.

From there she was on-call for her friend and acclaimed film director Brett Ratner (Rush Hour, X-Men: The Last Stand) for all of his early movies and music videos. Bill Cosby cast the southern beauty for two episodes of the Cosby Show, and she made several other television appearances, including New York Undercover, Soul Train guest model host, and co-hosting spots on BET. Cynthia’s commercials include Macys, Levi’s, Mercedes-Benz and many more. In 2011, she became the face of Fashion Fair Cosmetics.

Cynthia considers her greatest accomplishment as a fashion model to be when she was photographed by Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair [see below] alongside Iman, Beverly Johnson, Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks. Her greatest personal accomplishment is her 11-year-old daughter Noelle Forde Robinson. Cynthia credits her strong will and spiritual background for her success.

“I believe in hard work, ambition, love, and positive affirmation. Everyone has a destiny. With faith in yourself and faith in God, you can accomplish anything. When you send that energy out to the universe it has to come back to you.” Owner + Founder, Cynthia Bailey

Cynthia is currently one of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta and was recently married on the show to entrepreneur Peter Thomas. They reside in Atlanta, Georgia. Cynthia is represented by Innovative Artists [Commercial] and Click [Print] in New York City.

Darrius and Meagan Peace make Black Enterprise

It was awesome to see our good friends Darrius and Meagan Peace in the October 2011 issue of Black Enterprise Magazine.  The young couple is setting a great example as a minority owned business that is taking the lead in supporting other minority owned businesses while handling their business, Hayah Cosmetics with great detail and care.

In addition to their growing cosmetic line the Peace’s launched the popular Magic City Black Expo in 2009 with hopes that it would give other small businesses an outlet to share and grow their business.  The Magic City Black Expo has been instrumental in connecting minority businesses, helping businesses seek funding and providing an opportunity for business owners to share their products and services with the public at large.

For more on the Black Enterprise article and the Magic City Black Expo visit www.magiccityblackexpo.com.

THE HARBERT CENTER HONORS FOUNDERS JOHN M. HARBERT III AND HALL W. THOMPSON IN 25TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

Birmingham, Alabama, September 20. The Harbert Center staff, board and supporters will mark its 25^th anniversary at a gala dinner Thursday, September 22, honoring its founders, John M. Harbert III and Hall W. Thompson.  Thanks to their vision, and for 25 years, The Harbert Center has served as a home to some of the largest and most active civic groups in the country.

Rotarians John M. Harbert III and Hall W. Thompson were the driving force behind building The Harbert Center in 1986, which was built entirely from donations by civic leaders and corporations.  The Harbert Center also played a vital role in the growth and development of the Birmingham region.

Thursday’s gala will include a video presentation tracing the history of The Harbert Center and honoring Harbert and Thompson.  Students and faculty from the UAB Department of Music, will offer several musical performances arranged by Dr. Henry Panion III.  The event also celebrates the sponsors of an ongoing capital campaign.  Donors’ funds will pay for needed renovations and will allow The Harbert Center to purchase the latest technology for its meeting rooms, ensuring that the Center will support the work of Birmingham’s civic clubs.

The Harbert Center is an event facility in downtown Birmingham.  The Rotary Club of Birmingham, the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, and the Monday Morning Quarterback Club all call The Harbert Center home, and the Center serves over thirty civic groups and non-profits, small and large, who meet there throughout the year.   The Harbert Center also provides an elegant and affordable venue for weddings, receptions, and proms, as well as for training seminars and fundraisers.

Most Birmingham businesspeople have grown accustomed to the welcoming environment and friendly Southern hospitality of The Harbert Center. Most don’t realize that it is unusual to have a facility of this quality where civic groups can meet regularly in a metropolitan city like Birmingham.

For more information, visit www.theharbertcenter.com.

West End High School

Calling all West End High School Alumni!

The Alumni Ole School Party hosted by the WEHS Class of 1987.

Friday, September 16th 2011 – 9pm – Until.

Merienda Lounge located at 420 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. 35233

Sidewalk Film Festival is this weekend!

If you have not had a chance to check out Birmingham’s Annual Sidewalk Film Festival make sure you plan to attend this weekend.  The festival kicks off on Friday, August 26 and goes through Sunday, August 28 and always features a pretty extensive list of parties,workshops, events, interesting people and movies.

The 13th annual Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, a celebration of new independent cinema in downtown Birmingham.  Since its debut in 1999, filmmakers from across the country and around the world have come to Birmingham to screen their work at Sidewalk and have been thrilled to discover fresh, enthusiastic crowds eager to devour new independent cinema.

Movies and events will be held through nine venues located within Birmingham’s historic Theatre District (featuring the newly restored Alabama Theatre, a 2,200 seat movie palace built by Paramount in 1927), spontaneity rules the schedule of Sidewalk attendees. Low-priced weekend passes provide easy access to Sidewalk venues, encouraging attendees to seek out new films and sample programming they may not otherwise see. The result is a crowd rich in diversity and united in a hunger for new film.

For more information on this years festival and to check out the movie line up visit http://almovingimage.org/sidewalk-fest.html

BAAMfest! Tickets on Sale Now! More Bands, More Venues, More Music!

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The 2^nd annual Birmingham Arts and Music Festival (BAAMfest!) is set for August 12-14 spanning 21 venues throughout the City of Birmingham.

BAAMfest! features more than 200 performances of music spanning all genres, comedy, arts and dance across 21 venues throughout the City of Birmingham.  This year’s music venues include:  Alys Stephens Center, Barking Kudu, Birmingham Museum of Art, B.O.S.S. Ultra Lounge, Bottletree, German Club, Metro Bar, Pale Eddie’s Pour House, Parkside, Bottletree, Rojo, Rogue Tavern, Speakeasy, Steel, Stillwater, The Nick, Wine Loft, WorkPlay and Zydeco.

“We invite the community to celebrate in finding the magic of the Magic City by experiencing the talent and artistry of our musicians, while patronizing our local businesses,” Sharrif Simmons, co-founder of BAAMfest! said.  “We hope that attendees will find their next favorite performer right here in their own backyard.”

New for 2011, BAAMfest! has created an opportunity for the community to experience the City in a different way with Experience Venues, arts and cultural institutions that will host a variety of free programming, including family-friendly events and artist workshops.  The Experience Venues are: ArtPlay, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham Museum of Art, McWane Center and Vulcan Park.

A weekend pass allows attendees admittance into BAAMfest! programming at all participating venues, as well as great discounts at Experience Venues.  Weekend passes are $40 and can be purchased in advance.  Day passes are $18 and can be bought at each venue during the festival.  Attendees can also purchase a BAAM+ pass, which includes all the benefits of a weekend pass, as well as admittance into two VIP parties during the festival, a commemorative poster and t-shirt.

For additional information about BAAMfest!, the schedule of performers, or to buy tickets, please visit www.baamfest.com or download the complete line up!

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