Grammy®
Award winner Fantasia (The Color
Purple) makes her highly anticipated return to the stage
alongside Emmy® Award nominee Dulé
Hill (“The West Wing”) in AFTER MIDNIGHT, the Broadway production of
Encores’ critically acclaimed Cotton Club Parade. With 25
sensational singers and dancers and an exciting roster of Special
Guest Star headliners, this heart-pounding new
musical brings the sexy, smoky glamour of Harlem's Golden Age to a whole
new generation.
Recently, I had the opportunity to get a sneak peek, meet and greet Fantasia at the Brook Atkins Theatre. We discussed how she manages stress during her run on Broadway with AFTER MIDNIGHT. Check out the highlights from my exclusive video interview:
At the heart of AFTER
MIDNIGHT is The Jazz at Lincoln Center
All-Stars, an orchestra of 17 world-class musicians hand-picked
by nine-time Grammy Award winner Wynton
Marsalis. The timeless songs
of Duke Ellington, Harold Arlen, Cab
Calloway and their contemporaries–woven together by the prose
of Langston Hughes–come to life in an evening of
cutting-edge song and dance.
This thrilling experience puts you at the center of one of Harlem’s legendary
nightclubs, in a hotbed of Jazz–its intoxicating rhythms, its innovative style,
its unpredictable danger and fun. Award-winning fashion
designer Isabel Toledo reinvents the distinctive
looks of the era with dazzling, one-of-a-kind costumes. And, as directed
and choreographed by Warren
Carlyle, AFTER
MIDNIGHTblurs the line between past and present to
prove that Jazz is more than music...it's a state of mind.
According to my exclusive interview with the cast members, Tasha Smith (Angela Williams) and Michael Jai White (Marcus Williams), the success of the Season 3 premiere of "For Better or Worse" on OWN this past Wednesday, can be contributed to Tyler Perry's family oriented work ethic.
The premiere episode at 9 p.m. Wednesday grabbed more than 1.5 million total
viewers, and grew to 1.6 million total viewers with its second episode, pushing
OWN to its most-watched Wednesday night in the network's history.
#forbetter
Check out highlights from the exclusive interview with Tasha Smith (Angela Williams) and Michael Jai White (Marcus Williams) here:
Recently I attended a NYC Business Solutions Workshop for Wellness Professionals around the topic of "CrowdFunding." I had previously heard about crowdfunding, through Kickstarter and Indigogo. Crowdfundingis raising money by offering rewards to your existing community. You
can leverage your already inspired supporters to fundraise for your
mission through their own personal networks online, through social
media, and through email. At the workshop, I was introduced to Lucky Ant which has successfully helped Yoga professionals to raise funds. Pictured ; Jonathon of Lucky Ant, Ava of Yama Talent, Nina of Paraiso Adventures, and Jeff of NYC Business Solutions
Early this morning my friend shared a post on my profile page - "Try
just for one day to release everything up to the Universe. Watch what
happens!" Hmmmm - Spiritual food for thought, as I balance my life
between the media arts, the healing arts and the finance of it all. I really wanted to embrace crowdfunding in a spiritual way. I discovered this articleLetter To The Universe.Yes, I wrote my letter to the universe, then... I let go and let God.
At this same event I metfellow Yogini, Cailin Callahan, who blogged about the sentiments of the event, that I also share... here is an excerpt: Ava of Yama Talent made the statement of the night, "My landlord doesn't take Karma." Let that marinate for a minute....
As much as I love yoga, healing, wellness and offering up insight...I
have to keep reminding myself to not just 'give it away' for free. My
skill, my passion, my "product", is valuable- and learning how to be
compensated for that appropriately (and feel okay with that) is
something that I am working on. It's not 'having too much ego' to want
to grow your yoga business or to have high aspirations in your field- so
long as its coming from your heart space. I don't want to reach more
and more people so that I can be well-known. I want to reach more and
more people because I have an infinite amount of love and devotion that I
want to share...feel the NEED to share. It was a great night of
networking and insight into growing yourself as a brand.(READ MORE)
Future plans are in the works with the panel experts from the workshop. I'm encouraging my supporters to sign up on my FRESH START FOR FALL WITH YOGA FLAVA page to be the first to find out about how they can receive a FREE YOGA FLAVA SESSION ONLINE PERSONALIZED. The Free session will be a bonus reward for the first 10 people to purchase rewards from my crowdfunding campaign, that will be launched on Tues. Sept. 10th. Stay tuned for more details of the campaign.
Robin Downes has created a web series to document the renovation and home improvement of her small studio apartment. Not sure where to begin, she has requested the help of Sherri Culpepper from Demolition Divas and SHE, HER & I Productions.
Robin Downes Productions is continuing to develop content for two main YouTube Channels. In addition to the Yoga Flava TV channel, there is the emerging Robin Downes Network (RDN).
The Robin Downes Network is currently developing a collaboration with Sherri Culpepper for a web series about home renovation.
To support my web series, I will continue to strengthen my online digital publishing. It's an ever evolving frontier in the New Media / Digital Publishing world. I'm doing my best to understand how to monetize my online publishing with the Google Adsense Free 10 week master class.
Just wanted to confirm to those who have known me for several years as a media maven and got confused with my Yoga Flava - it's all good - media in different forms for a new era!
The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete, from Codeblack Films, a LIONSGATE® company, opened ABFF 2013 - American Black Film Festival, on June 19th. A very moving film, we laughed and cried. Sniffles all throughout the theater, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. The film is amazing.
The film features a stellar cast including Skylan Brooks, Ethan Dizon, Jordin Sparks (Sparkle), Jeffrey Wright (Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close) and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Thor: The Dark World) with Anthony Mackie (Pain & Gain, The Hurt Locker) and Academy Award®-winner Jennifer Hudson ("Smash," Sex and the City 2, Dreamgirls). The film, directed by George Tillman, Jr. (Notorious, Soul Food), was co-executive produced by GRAMMY®
Award-winning singer Alicia Keys. This unique and affecting film is a
coming of age story about two boys trying to survive the summer in their
Brooklyn housing projects without parental supervision.
The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete: Two
young boys in Brooklyn are left to fend for themselves during a summer
after they are abandoned by their parents. "Obviously, we're really
exited about it," Jeff Friday, Founder of The American Black Film Festival says. "It's the opening-night film and stars
Jennifer Hudson, Jeffrey Wright, and Anthony Mackie. Alicia Keys is one
of the executive producers. Great film."
I'm so looking forward to Film Life’s 17th Annual American Black Film Festival
(ABFF). I will be providing you with updates about the official slate of films, including Opening and
Closing Night screenings, Gala screenings along with selections for the
Narrative Features Competition, HBO® Short Film Competition
and CNN Films Documentary Competition. The Festival will be held in
Miami Beach, FL, June 19-23, 2013. (Click here for a full schedule of events and to buy tickets.)
The ABFF film program is primarily composed of world premieres
of narrative, documentary and short films. As such, it is the leading
film festival in the world for African American and urban content. Since
its inception, the ABFF has showcased more than 600 films, rewarding
and redefining artistic excellence in independent filmmaking.
With diversity and social responsibility at its core, the
festival supports aspiring actors, filmmakers and industry executives in
unprecedented ways, and has generated a tremendous amount of goodwill
in Hollywood. In addition to its cinematic showcases, the ABFF nurtures
its attendees in a variety of disciplines, offering panel discussions,
workshops and symposiums hosted by leading media companies. Upscale
entertainment and exclusive social events complete the festival
experience.
Check out my clip from the 2011 ABFF Opening Night Event with Robert Townsend:
The festival program continues to grow by adding innovative
programs and activities. In 2010, the ABFF introduced the Pro-Hollywood
Initiative, a pilot program designed to give professional athletes a
crash course in the art of moviemaking and introduce them to the various
disciplines and careers in the film business. 2011 ushered in the gmc
Television Network Faith & Family Screenplay Competition, which
offers writers a chance to be discovered and their work optioned. A new
mobile entertainment section was launched at the 16th ABFF, to showcase
quality short form content ideal for distribution via the internet and
mobile devices.
Each year, the ABFF attracts approximately 5,000 artists,
executives and film fans, providing a strategic vehicle for companies to
reach this trendsetting and influential audience. Top-tier corporations
have engaged in partnerships with the festival to promote their
products, services, multicultural initiatives and branded entertainment
content. This support fuels the growth of the festival and furthers the
evolution of the Black independent film community. HBO is the
festival's founding sponsor.
Jason Seymour is the only African American golf contestant of 12 professionals on "Big Break Mexico." They are ready to pursue their dreams of playing golf on
either the LPGA or the PGA Tour.
“Big Break Mexico” airs Mondays at 9
p.m. ET on The Golf Channel. The Big Break show concept pits highly skilled golfers against
each other in a variety of challenges that test their physical skills
and mental toughness.
Jason is returning to competitive golf full time for the first time in nine
years, following a motorcycle accident that almost claimed his life. He
hung up the golf clubs and turned to a successful construction
business. Growing up in suburban Los Angeles, golf provided him a way
out of “the bad things that surrounded me” and he has dreams of giving
back to the game that has meant so much to him. He also is competing
with a heavy heart as his father passed away three weeks prior to the
filming of the series.
In May of 2013, Jayson Seymour along with his cast members from "The Big Break Mexico" were in New York City for the premiere of their TV Show on The Golf Channel. Check out Jason's reflections on his golf journey as he shares his experiences, hopes and dreams during this exclusive video interview in Central Park, New York City.
I originally me Jason in 2002 during Steve Harvey's golf tournament as I warmed up the golfers with some Yoga Flava
Picture above: (2002) Chuck Vincent (Golfer, who I worked with on "The Cosby Show"), Steve Harvey (Host of the Golf Tournament), Robin Downes (Me / Yoga Flava), Jason Seymour (Golfer / Currently a contestant on "The Big Break Mexico")
Grass roots documentary, "Hands To The Sky"
is about the uplifting and spirited experience of the outdoor house music movement.
A screening and dance party will take place on Saturday, May 25th, at the Mist in Harlem New York. With
showtimes 7pm and 8:30pm there will be an after-party featuring the
legendary DJ/Producer Teddy Douglas of the Basement Boys, whose has
produced hit songs for Ultranate, Crystal Waters, and so many others.
Also spinning is another legend in soulful house scene, Andre Collins
The documentary shares universal love of house music and outdoors events. Check out the trailer here >>>
Over a two-year period, My House Rocs followed this music out of the
clubs and house parties and into the parks and beaches where an
estimated 100,000 House Music fans gather to dance, commune and rejoice
in the summer heat. From Coney Island to Fort Greene Park to various
public spaces in and around New York City, Hands to the Sky interviews
dancers, event promoters, deejays and performers who share personal,
often poignant anecdotes and recollections of how House Music in
general, and these outdoor functions specifically, have shaped their
worldviews, established lasting relationships and inspired dreams and
aspirations. (READ MORE)
"PR Spin From Mama Lynn" is the affectionate catch phase I use when I refer to my friend, publicist and phenomenal woman - Lynn Allen Jeter. She helped me give birth to my brand "Yoga Flava" and has been a nurturing guide through the growing pains and the accolades for the past 13 years. In addition to her support for my skills in the healing arts, Ms. Jeter, has been an advocate for my skills in the media arts. Her process of "connecting the dots to put relationships together" has been priceless for me.
Her public relations firm, Lynn Allen Jeter & Associates leverages a multitude of individual services. These services include: Media
Relations, Publicity, Social Media and Implementation, Celebrity
Bookings, Event Production, Red carpet management and execution,
Strategic Brand Positioning, Consumer Promotions, Content Development,
Integrated Marketing Programs, Product Placements, Radio and TV
integration.
Some her notable clients include: Lisa Leslie (WNBA Retired player and Olympic Gold medalist), LisaRaye McCoy (actress, Single Ladies), Judge Mathis (Judge Mathis Show), Kym Whitley (actress, Animal Practice), Wesley Jonathan (actor, Soul Man), Yolanda Adams (Gospel Singer), Nicci Gilbert (R&B Divas, Brownstone) and Dr. Susan Evans (M.D Beauty Expert). Lynn Allen Jeter & Associates also provides public relations services for a variety of brands and products, such as champagne company, Moreno BHLV, fashion lines: Curvato by Nicci Gilbert,DeanZign by Angela Dean as well as renowned casting director, Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd. We are experts at creative development of unknown brands and talents.
In her honor I have dedicated a playlist entitled "PR Spin From Mama Lynn" on the YouTube Robin Downes Network Channel. The channel features Lynn Allen Jeter and Associates News and Information. Check her out in this new episode:
THE PAST is a passionate, thought provoking, love song that is interpreted by Shaliek's fresh vibe and classic soul.
In honor of Women's History Month and thoughts of Spring
Cleaning - "The Past" is a perfect song to encourage women (and men) to
let go and forgive what is holding them back to bloom into love.
Shaliek has embarked on a campaign to engage and encourage his
audience to share how they have gotten over a past hurt.
Posing the question ...
"How do you forgive THE PAST?"
Check out this week's episode from the Robin Downes Network on Youtube - Classic Soul Singer, Shaliek, Asks Women " How Do You Forgive THE PAST?" [Exclusive Interview]
Synopsis: When wealthy socialite and notorious party girl Vivian Bowers is found dead of an overdose, no one is really surprised. The heiress to the Bowers pharmaceutical empire has been tabloid fodder for years: wild, pretty, privileged... and now dead at the age of 32. But for FBI agent Will Moreno (Laz Alonso, "Avatar"), things don't add up with this suspicious dynasty. Convinced the troubled girl's death was a homicide, he has a clever plan to get to the truth. Her name is Detective Joanna Locasto (Meagan Good, "Think Like a Man"). Twenty years ago she was Vivian's best friend and practically grew up inside the Bowers' home. And when she appears at Vivian's funeral, the family re-embraces her and no one is the wiser. Joanna quickly begins to uncover dark secrets and clues about why Vivian's life was very much in danger. At the same time, she rekindles an old romantic relationship and rediscovers the allure of the luxurious lifestyle she once knew. She's about to see once again just how the other half lives... and dies.
Also starring are Victor Garber ("Alias"), Tate Donovan ("Damages"), Katherine LaNasa ("Alfie") and Ella Rae Peck ("Gossip Girl"). "Deception" comes from executive producer/writer Liz Heldens ("Friday Night Lights") and director Peter Horton ("Grey's Anatomy," "Dirty Sexy Money"). The series is from Universal Television and BermanBraun.
