Jazz Underground Supper Club presents Mike Phillips LIVE!

 

Jazz Underground Supper Club presents Mike Phillips live for two nights! The popular jazzman will perform at the Jazz Underground Supper Club on June 1 and June 2.

Dinner Packages are on sale now!

Dinner Packages

$300 for a table of four which includes admission for four guest, dinner for four, champagne and after show jam session.

$150 for couples which includes admission for two, dinner for two, champagne and after show jam session.

$75 individual admission which includes the show, dinner and after the show jam session.

$30 General Admission tickets which includes the show only.

Doors open at 7:00pm.

Jazz Underground
2012 Magnolia Avenue in Five Points South
(Below Cosmos Pizza)
Phone: (205) 202-3640

About Mike Phillips

Mike began his musical odyssey at the age of five in his native Mt. Vernon, NY. After experimenting with an assortment of instruments including acoustic and electric bass, violin, piano, French horn and trumpet, he focused on the saxophone because it was the vehicle best suited to express his creative passion.

He diligently honed his talents throughout his formative years, painstakingly mastering the technical skills and self discipline required for the art form. More than that, Mike also developed a keen understanding of the unique and personal relationship between the musician and the audience.

In the summer of 1993, Mike made his presence felt on the music scene with his now legendary debut performance at the well-known New York City jazz & R&B spot, Wilson’s. Invited there by a friend who was playing keyboards with the house band, Mike literally walked on stage and, much to the surprise of the band leader, began to blow before anyone asked him to sit in. The looks of bewilderment quickly turned to smiles and the rest, as they say, is history.

Mike has been a regular there ever since, performing with such artists as Babyface, Rachelle Farrell, Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men and Prince. He has also showcased his extraordinary talent via performances throughout the US and abroad, touring with such notables as Teddy Riley & Blackstreet, Jonathan Butler, Simply Red, Wayman Tisdale, Kenny Lattimore and the incomparable Stevie Wonder.

In 1996, Mike was invited to perform at President Clinton’s Inaugural Gala held at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Other milestone events include the 80th Birthday Celebration for President Nelson Mandela in South Africa, a Superbowl appearance with Wonder, and the Billboard Music Awards. Mike’s television credits include Saturday Night Live, The David Letterman Show, BET On Jazz, BET Sound Stage, and The Tonight Show.

Mike’s artistry exceeds category, as shown by his recording sessions with an assortment of diverse performers including the late rapper Notorious B.I.G., mega movie star and recording artist Will Smith, vocalist Mariah Carey, and the gospel ensemble Anointed. And his collaboration with Teddy Riley on the Rugrats The Movie soundtrack added yet another dimension to the phenomenal sound and career of Mike Phillips.

Driven to be the very best, Mike has resolved to follow in the path of his mentors, the legendary saxmen Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane and Charlie Parker, and take his genre to another level. This determination to develop his craft has helped him reconfigure the jazz landscape by infusing blues, gospel and hip-hop elements into a refreshingly unique style.

Interesting Fact: After meeting Michael Jordan, Mike Phillips became the only musician signed to the Jordan Brand.

http://www.hiddenbeach.com/mikephillips/

The Hop Off movie premiere with actor Kadeem Hardison

The Hop Off, is a coming of age comedy about a young boy (Daniel) who is finding defeat in every area of sports he tries. Feeling unsure of himself, his lack of confidence seeps out to other areas of his life. But when a caring janitor (Kadeem Hardison) steps in, he learns that with hard work and determination, anything can be conquered. Taking his advice, Daniel steps out his comfort zone and becomes a leader, gaining the respect of his peers and realizes his true strength.

Join us at the Alabama Theather for the Premier of “The Hop Off”. November, 3rd, 2011. This is a Red Carpet Event. This will be a evening of fun and celebration. Your attendance shows you support our youth in their achievements and allows you to see a great film in the process. We look forward to seeing you there!
*Tickets are $5.00/Program starts at 6:30*

Nancy Stricklin is getting ready for her debut feature film BEAUTIFUL DISASTER

Birmingham, Alabama – Writer/Director/Producer Nancy Stricklin is getting ready for her debut feature film “BEAUTIFUL DISASTER”. Join us in making this movie a reality.

“Have you ever wondered why a person is the way they are? I want to reflect the human experience giving everyone something personal they can relate to. My vision is to produce a fresh new film that not only moves viewers in both familiar and novel ways, but that announces the emergence of the kind of cinema I think we all long for.  Through “Beautiful Disaster” I want to reach the hidden, less discussed and avoided areas of our lives. Through an array of exciting and familiar characters, I want to cause viewers to self reflect and possibly see parts of themselves they try to push aside, all while being entertained through humor and an array of emotions. Through this film I want to create art that defies stereotypes, push artistic boundaries and lead by example.”-Nancy Stricklin

JOIN US THROUGH KICKSTARTER!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beautifuldisaster/beautiful-disaster-a-feature-film

Help bring Hollywood to Birmingham!

Marc Raby Is At It Again: Bigger & Bolder

Birmingham’s Own Brings Urban Theater Home, with music, ministry and more!

Birmingham, AL – A dash of soul, a mixing of genres, and a full serving of entertainment; are the ingredients that make up Birmingham native Marc Raby’s  new on stage drama “Baby, Ain’t No Way!”. The show is the latest in the playwright’s collection of productions and it will take the stage at the Historic Alabama Theater on October 2, 2011.

Among the show’s current cast is Pastor Mike McClure Jr, a local pastor in the Metropolitan Birmingham Area. McClure has risen to a place of notoriety himself as pastor of one of the fastest growing churches in the southeast. He is noted for his blockbuster benevolence within the community as well as his presentation of practical teaching and cutting edge outreach, an approach that has garnered a membership of more than 4,000 members within 24 months. “My desire is always to connect with those who have a heart to support, uplift and give real direction to God’s people”, states PMJ as he is affectionately known by his congregation, “Marc’s a great friend that consistently manages to reach and teach God’s people through theater and its always in an exciting and entertaining way. Sometimes it takes more than the written or preached word of God and I’m honored be in the midst”.

Raby’s style of theater has often been likened to that of   well-known theater producer Tyler Perry. Raby counts the comparison as a remarkable honor, noting that Perry’s contribution to the gospel theater world has tremendously aided in its reach to mainstream America.  Raby has certainly garnered a fan base of his own, since his 2004 production of “Love Shouldn’t Hurt So Bad”, followed by his most recent success “He’s Not The Man I Married” starring R&B Sensation Chico Debarge. “  For some the platform is found behind a pulpit, mine is a pen” states Raby.  According to Raby, his latest production of “Baby, Ain’t No Way!” is a depiction of a family with issues left unspoken and unresolved, he states “it’s a blend of story lines that all share a common thread, a need to resolve an array of hurts and misunderstandings through communication ”.

In a season seemingly filled with on stage productions, Raby seems undeterred by the other productions that are slated to take place in the city of Birmingham in the coming months, including a new production from Tyler Perry. “Maybe I should be concerned about ticket sales for us; of course our production and promotional budget doesn’t compare” states Raby “we’ve got a story to tell that’s filled with great ministry and awesome performers and we will tell it whether there is one person present or two-thousand…it’s what we do”. Raby goes on to say “There are a few major bombs dropped in this show that I’ve found that many have been faced with and this is an opportunity to speak of it, be aware of it and to aid in the process of moving forward from it”.

The “Baby, Ain’t No Way!” ensemble is comprised of homegrown actors, as Raby’s productions’ often are, however he will include R&B Singer Gary ‘Lil G’ Jenkins of the Platinum recording group Silk. Jenkins is no stranger to the stage, he has appeared in numerous nationally touring stage plays including Fake Friends, Perilous Times, Secret Lovers, Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion, What Men Don’t Tell and Whatever She Wants.

Raby added “Playing at the Alabama Theater is both special and exciting for me. This is where I saw my very first gospel stage play with my aunt.” The show was “Mama I’m Sorry”, a show written by Michael Matthews, known as the Godfather of the gospel musical. Raby hopes to make an indelible impression with his October 2nd showing of “Baby, Ain’t No Way!” just as Matthews left a life changing impression with him. When asked what the audience should expect at the production, Raby replied, “This is going to be great!  As long as God is in the plans, great things are always in the results.

“Baby, Ain’t No Way!”
Alabama Theatre
1817 3rd Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35203
Sunday, October 02, 2011 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (CT)

For more information contact:  Chandra Bell ~ Arena Events Marketing
205~876~7305 or chandrabell@arenaeventsmktg.com

Darrius Cole: A Day in the Life of A Black Man

What if your life took a turn for the worst at the most unexpected time, when everything already seemed to be at its lowest. It just got worst. You’ve lost everything that you had except your mind, you think. Should you allow the same God the opportunity to straighten this out when he was there all the time you were going through the hardship and pain? If God loves me, how could he allow these things that I didn’t cause to happen to me?  All these questions come to mind when facing things we don’t understand. Whether we cause them or not, God allows us to go through things until we agree to release them to him.  He has given me another chance, What will you choose?

Darrius Cole: A Day in the Life of a Black Man is an unrated film by writer director Barry Evans.  This homegrown movie will premiere on October 9, 2011 at the Carver Theatre.

General Admission Tickets are $10.00 and VIP Admission is $20.00 which includes food, wine and VIP seating.

Red Carpet from 4:00pm – 5:30pm, the movie starts at 6:00pm.

Tickets are currently on sale online at http://www.dcoleday.com or at Perfect Kuts Barbershop – 2003 Bessemer Road.

For more information call (205) 785-2003 or (205) 243-8280.

PJ Morton Live @ Rogue Tavern

Soul Pop artist PJ Morton returns to Birmingham for a single show at Rogue Tavern.

Over the years the accomplished New Orleans native set himself apart to create melodic stories of love and life as he worked with India.Arie, Erykah Badu, Jermaine Dupri, Monica and LL Cool J.  Now with his own fifth album release on S.O.S. Music entitled Walk Alone, PJ continues to share his heart, experiences and stories with the masses.

Synergy has proven to connect PJ with some very talented people.  The Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award winning songwriter/producer caught the attention of internationally recognized, Oscar Award winning composer AR Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire).  AR tapped PJ the vocalist to contribute “Sajna” to the soundtrack and movie for the Vince Vaughn comedy Couples Retreat, further broadening PJ’s mainstream appeal.

PJ has toured with Maroon 5 since 2005 and recently released his fifth album on S.O.S. Music entitled Walk Alone, PJ continues to share his heart, experiences and stories with the masses through his music.

You can catch PJ Morton LIVE, Wednesday, June 15, 2011, 8:00 pm, @ Rogue Tavern.

Rihanna says “No” to Bodyguard remake

There have been rumors floating around that Rihanna will be the chosen one to play the role of Rachel Morrow, in the remake of the 1992 film “The Bodyguard”. The 23 years old singer told ok magazine that she’s not interested in the role, once played by the legendary  singer Whitney Houston, because it wouldn’t offer her enough of a challenge, being that she is a singer as well.  “I want to separate the two, I hate when singers do singing movies all the time, because you can never look at them as anybody else”, says the Barbadian Princess, “I want to play a character, My whole life is playing Rihanna, so playing a singer won’t be a stretch for me”. I wonder if Beyonce had a similar response when she was offered to play the role of Etta James in Cadillac Records, or Deena Jones in Dreamgirls, and don’t forget about Lilly from “The fighting Temptations”.  In my opinion, I think playing the role that was once dominated by Whitney Houston in her prime, would be too much of a challenge for Rihanna.  I won’t say why I believe this but, I will say Whitney Houston used her original vocals in the film, so did Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson, who also played the role of a singer. Writers Jeremiah Friedman and Nick Palmer have already been selected to begin the writing on the film, which grossed a total of $121,945,720 in the US alone, but no word on who will be selected to play Rachel Morrow.

The Gift of Music: Neo Jazz School of Music Instrument & Toy Drive

If you have not had a chance to hear the Neo Jazz Collective, from the Neo Jazz School of Music then I suggest you plan to attend The Gift of Music and prepare yourself for something spectacular.  The first time you hear these young people perform your ears have to tell your eyes that you are really seeing a group of young people deliver music like seasoned adults.  The school features a collection of talented young people ranging in age from 6 to 20 that perform jazz, neo soul, R&B and contemporary music.  On, Sunday, December 19, 2010, the Neo Jazz School of music will present The Gift of Music:  An Instrument & Toy Drive.  The event will feature a collection of popular holiday classics performed by the students and special invited guest.  Musical guest include dat2, Ree’ Al, Laura Luke, Jona Crooner and Sharrif Simmons from the Birmingham Arts and Music Festival, who will also host the event.  The event will showcase the talents of the students and deliver a collection of holiday and popular songs that we all know and love.  The event is an instrument drive and fundraiser for the school as well as a toy drive to support needy families during the holiday season.  The school is in need of instruments in order to continue providing free music lessons to area students.  Instruments may be donated at the event as well as cash donations in support of the school.  The City of Birmingham – Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services will conduct the Toy Drive and distribute donated toys to the needy families.

Sponsors of the Gift of Music include the Highland Conference Center, Magic City Smooth Jazz, Urbanham.com, The Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services and the Birmingham Arts & Music Festival.

About the Neo Jazz School of Music

Dr. Lud Yisrael started the school in 2004 as an outreach for area youth and teaches music, discipline and general life skills. The school offers free music lessons to beginning students from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm.  The mission of the Neo Jazz School of Music is enact a positive change in the youth of the community through education in music and the arts also to educate, train and develop gifted students into professional career artists.

For more information on the Neo Jazz Collective visit www.neojazz.net or call (205) 783-9880

The Gift of Music:  An Instrument & Toy Drive
Sunday, December 19, 2010
The Highland Conference Center
2012 Magnolia Avenue
(Inside of the Pickwick Plaza in Five Points South)
Doors open at 4:00 pm, show begins at 5:00 pm
Admission: $10.00

Smash House TV delivers new Mr. Mal video “Celebration”

NAACP – Releases Documentary on the Impact of Birmingham Black Broadcasters During Civil Rights ERA

January 4 – Birmingham, Alabama – As part of the NAACP Centennial Celebration, we are taking part in the production and presentation of a three part national television series that features both local and national personalities who shaped our city and country. The first of the series, “On Air: 1960′s Black Radio in Birmingham”, is completed. We will host the premiere at the Alabama Theater, launching celebrations of Black History Month.

Birmingham Black radio was the voice and soul of a people, delivering both information and comfort during a time of both trial and triumph. The documentary includes interviews and features Dr. Richard Arrington, Jr., Congressman Spencer Bachus, Congressman Artur Davis, Reverend Erskine Faush, Sr., Reverend Jessie Jackson, Tom Joyner, Martin Luther King, III, Congressman John Lewis, Reverend Joseph Lowery, Charles McCrary, Dr. Johnathan McPherson, Shelley Stewart and Reverend Andrew Young.

Reverend Erskine Faush, Jr., (Chuck) a native of Birmingham, a veteran radio broadcaster and Executive Producer on this and two other documentaries, will serve as a honorary host for this documentary premiere. Chuck, who was recently named as the Rising Icon Leader of the Year by the NAACP, has over 1,000 national broadcast hours with Oscar, Emmy and Grammy award winners and credits including BET Networks, FOX Sports, Tribune, Inspiration Network, Simmons Latham and ESPN.

This star studded, red carpet, memorable event is scheduled for February 5, 2010, beginning on the RED CARPET at 5:30pm, at the historical Alabama Theatre, located at 1817 3rd Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama. The evening will be filled with a variety of events prior to the “On Air” debut. This event is sure to bridge the gap of generations to come.

For tickets and information visit http://naacp100gala.com or call call (205) 529-2404.

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