CHICAGO (AP)—Thousands of Oprah Winfrey’s fans gathered on Michigan Avenue to help the talk show celebrate the 24th season of her show with a public taping on Tuesday that was to include the Black Eyed Peas and Rascal Flatts. Diane Stimson lined up at 5:30 a.m., nearly 12 hours before the taping was set to begin, and by the afternoon the 43-year-old Chicagoan was dancing behind a metal barrier as she waited. She called Winfrey an inspiration. WHITNEY HOUSTON AND OPRAH WINFREY ON THE SET
It doesn’t matter whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game. Yeah, you never bought into that, either, did you? If it’s all about playing and not about winning, then why have umpires, referees and judges? Why keep score? And what’s the use of fans frothing at the mouth over victory? More precisely, perhaps, it’s not about winning or losing but about being gracious either way—an attitude personified in the new book “On the Line” by Serena Williams (with Daniel Paisner).
Thursday 10 Lalah Hathaway The August Wilson Center for African American Culture presents Lalah Hathaway at 8 p.m. at the center, 980 Liberty Ave., Cultural District. Slip into the rich, silky sounds of songstress Lalah Hathaway as she kicks off the inaugural season of the brand new August Wilson Center. Hathaway hypnotizes with a soulful, jazzy repertoire rooted in the music of her native Chicago and filled with endless possibilities. There will also be a performance Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $35-$45.50. For more information, visit www.augustwilsoncenter.org.
This week I visited the Red Lounge II in East Liberty, Matrix Night Club in Station Square, Questions Night Club in the Strip District, the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts in Squirrel Hill and the Ava Lounge in East Liberty. My first stop was at the Red Lounge II where Kiki, formerly “The Midday Chick” of WAMO 106.7FM, celebrated with family and friends the fact that she landed a new gig as an on-air personality at WERQ 92Q FM in Baltimore, Md. She will be leaving us, but her heart and soul will always belong to Pittsburgh. Congratulations on a fresh start—you deserve it. Mike Logan (ESPN and Brotha Ash Productions), Kiki (WERQ 92Q FM of Baltimore, Md.), Anji (WPGC 95.5 FM of Washington, D.C.) and Emmai Alaquiva (Ya Momz House Recording Studio) at the Red Lounge II in East Liberty.
En Vogue was the closing act in a two hour, Aug. 30, TV One special that included the best of the Essence Music Festival held in New Orleans. The three day even featured some of the biggest names in Black music. To name a few; Beyonce, Al Green, Pattie LaBelle, Lionel Richie, Anita Baker, John Legend, MAZE, Maxwell, Salt & Papa, Charlie Wilson, Teena Marie, Jazmine Sullivan, EnVogue, Eric Benet, Ledisi, Robin Thicke, Ne-Yo, Sharon Jones, Solange, Janelle Monae, Rachael Saadig, Lalah Hathaway, Melanie Fiona, Sierra Leaon’s all star Reggae Band, and Blind Boys from Alabama. EN VOGUE
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (PRNewswire)—B&C Records in conjunction with Malaco Records announced the upcoming release of “Still,” the highly anticipated and eagerly awaited new studio album from the platinum-selling chart-topping award-winning gospel duo of BeBe and CeCe Winans. “Still” will be available online and in stores Oct. 6. BEBE AND CECE WINANS
For better or worse, for richer or poorer… Have you ever said those words while standing with your beloved in front of a bunch of your friends and family? If you did, you undoubtedly meant them with all your heart, intending to love and be faithful to your beloved forever. But forever is a long time and some days, “worse” overtakes “better” and you feel poorer for what you promised.
Thursday Jazz jamCJ’s Restaurant & Lounge presents “The Roger Humphries & RH Factor Jazz Jam Session” at 8 p.m. at 2901-2911 Penn Ave., Strip District. There will be live jazz and fun every Thursday night. Must be 30-years or older and there is a dress code that will be enforced. No tennis shoes, sweats or athletic gear. For more information, call 412-642-2377.
Being a movie buff in general and a Black movie buff in particular, as well as a lover of Black history, when I saw the “Notorious” DVD, I was curious but somewhat reluctant to get it because I’ve tired of all the gangsta movies. But I gave in. After watching several other movies, I finally decided to pop it in after it had been sitting around for a few days. I was very pleasantly surprised. First of all anything with Angela Bassett can’t be all bad. She played his mother. Not an extensive role, but enough to get my attention. THE KING—Notorious B.I.G., played by Jamal Woolard, is seated in his royal chair as Puff Daddy, played by Derek Luke looks on.
LOS ANGELES (AP)—The Los Angeles County coroner has ruled Michael Jackson’s death a homicide and a combination of drugs was the cause, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press, a finding that makes it more likely criminal charges will be filed against the doctor who was with the pop star when he died. Forensic tests found the powerful anesthetic propofol acted together with at least two sedatives to cause Jackson’s death June 25 in his rented Los Angeles mansion, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the findings have not been publicly released. MICHAEL JACKSON
