Kym Whitley: "I Always Say Adoption Around Him" [VIDEO]

Actress and comedienne, Kym Whitley, met with the press in the NYC Oprah Winfrey Network headquarters to discuss season two of "Raising Whitley" which will premiere on Saturday, January 3 at 9pm.

"Raising Whitley" is a humorous and poignant docu-series following actress and comedienne Kym Whitley and her riotous collective of friends - whom she calls "The Village" - as they attempt to do together something none of them has ever done before: raise a child. This season, Kym meets with Joshua's birth mom for the first time since his adoption.

This video clip highlights her thoughts about making it normal for her son to know, at this point, that he is adopted. She has become a positive role model for black single woman who want to adopt. #RaisingWhitley

Check out these other posts from Robin Downes:

Winner Of Parents' Choice Gold Award - "Precious Child" CD by Darryl Tookes [VIDEO]

Crystal Ship Filmmakers Mini Indie Film Festival [VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS]

Omari Hardwick: 'I Slept In Cars And It Paid Off'

Kevin Hart: "Think Like A Man Too" Red Carpet EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW!

Winner Of Parents' Choice Gold Award - "Precious Child" CD by Darryl Tookes [VIDEO]

This month it was announced that the CD, Precious Child – Love Songs & Lullabies, dedicated to music that both parents and children can enjoy, is the Winner of a Parents’ Choice Gold Award (their highest honor).

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down for a video interview with vocalist, musician and composer, Darryl Tookes about his new CD - Precisous Child - Love Songs & Lullabies.

This interview was a full circle experience for me because Darryl used to sing to me when I was a child.  When I mentioned to my sister that I had reunited with Darryl, she immediately burst into the song he used to sing to us.  So... I've know for a long time what a magical, memorable and soothing voice Mr. Tookes has on a child.  I'm delighted that now more children of all ages can share in the enchantment of Darryl Tookes with his new CD available on iTunes and Amazon.

Check out this video episode of "What's Up With Robin Downes" featuring Darryl Tookes and subscribe to the Robin Downes Network on Youtube:

Check out these other posts from Robin Downes:
Crystal Ship Filmmakers Mini Indie Film Festival [VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS]

Omari Hardwick: 'I Slept In Cars And It Paid Off'

Kevin Hart: "Think Like A Man Too" Red Carpet EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW!

Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight and Natalie Cole to Headline After Midnight This Summer on Broadway 

Crystal Ship Filmmakers Mini Indie Film Festival [VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS]

On Sunday, June 29th, Crystal Ship Filmmakers Mini Indie Film Festival took place at MIST HARLEM, 46 West 116th St. 12-4PM. Plaza 7 Talent Agency (Francesca Grimaldi and Sharon Parker-Frazier) hosted an afternoon of trailers, sizzles and teasers from new content creators.  The Robin Downes' Yoga Flava Sizzle Reel was screened at the festival and received positive reviews, especially from the marketers who pointed out the built in audience of Yoga fans.

My agents at Plaza 7 Talent Agency: Francesca Grimaldi, Robin Downes and Sharon Parker-Frazier

Watch this current episode of hosted by Robin Downes, and Subscribe to the Robin Downes Network on Youtube:

Crystal Ship Filmmaker Mini Indie Festival Winners!
Plaza 7 Talent Agency Filmmaker Divison Head, Sharon Parker-Frazier, Festival winners Craig T. Williams & Rosalyn Coleman Williams . Along with Francesca Francois-Girmaldi.

Check out these other posts from Robin Downes:

Omari Hardwick: 'I Slept In Cars And It Paid Off'

Kevin Hart: "Think Like A Man Too" Red Carpet EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW!

Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight and Natalie Cole to Headline After Midnight This Summer on Broadway 

Omari Hardwick: 'I Slept In Cars And It Paid Off '

I had the opportunity to meet for the first time, actor, Omari Hardwick at The American Black Film Festival 2014 in New York City and report about it.  Beyond sharing his pride and power (pun intended) with the success of his starring roles in "Being Mary Jane" and "Power", he also shared his humility with the fact that he slept in cars and it paid off toward his success. (See the full interview in the video clip below)

Check out this episode of "What's Up With Downes?" as Robin Downes reports from the red carpet of the 2014 American Black Film Festival. Interview highlights include: Spike Lee, Eriq La Salle, Kevin Hart, Robert Townsend and Omari Hardwick

For more information on the American Black Film Festival: http://www.abff.com

Kevin Hart: "Think Like A Man Too" Red Carpet EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW!

Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight and Natalie Cole to Headline After Midnight This Summer on Broadway

The American Black Film Festival Coming To NYC!

Invitation:  Sunday, June 29th - The Crystal Ship Filmmaker 2014 Mini Indie Festival

Crystal Ship Film Fest At Harlem Mist

Save the date for Sunday, June 29th, Crystal Ship Filmmakers Mini Indie Film Festival has a change of venue, Now at MIST HARLEM, 46 West 116th St. 12-4PM. Come join Plaza 7 Talent Agency for an afternoon of trailers, sizzles and teasers from new content creators.  The Yoga Flava Sizzle Reel was submitted for consideration.                      

Also read:

Kevin Hart: "Think Like A Man Too" Red Carpet EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW!

Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight and Natalie Cole to Headline After Midnight This Summer on Broadway

The American Black Film Festival Coming To NYC!

Invitation:  Sunday, June 29th - The Crystal Ship Filmmaker 2014 Mini Indie Festival

Kevin Hart: "Think Like A Man Too" Red Carpet EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW!

The American Black Film Festival hosted the New York City premiere of "Think Like A Man Too" as a part of opening night, on June19, 2014.

"Think Like A Man Too" revolves around the wedding of straight laced mama’s boy Michael (Terrence J) and good-hearted single mom Candace (Regina Hall) is the occasion that brings this group of friends from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, where Mya (Meagan Good) is miffed to discover that her b.f., Zeke (Romany Malco), seems to have slept with every woman on the Strip. Also along for the festivities are the slackerish Jeremy (Jerry Ferrara) and the driven Kristen (Gabrielle Union), whose determination to get pregnant is starting to tax Jeremy’s sexual stamina; plus rising chef Dominic (Michael Ealy) and high-powered media executive Lauren (Taraji P. Henson), who once more find themselves struggling to reconcile their unique vocational paths.

Check out this exclusive red carpet interview with Kevin Hart as he discusses his relationship with the cast members while working on the film, "Think Like A Man Too."

Also read:

Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight and Natalie Cole to Headline After Midnight This Summer on Broadway

The American Black Film Festival Coming To NYC!

Invitation:  Sunday, June 29th - The Crystal Ship Filmmaker 2014 Mini Indie Festival

Track On Track TV: Sizzle Reel Spring 2014

Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight and Natalie Cole to Headline After Midnight This Summer on Broadway

Gladys Knight, Patti Labelle, Natalie Cole "After Midnight"
Photograph by Domingo Canate for Spot Is Hot

Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight and Natalie Cole will join the roster of "Special Guest Star" vocalists in After Midnight . LaBelle is set to play performances from June 10 through 29, Knight from July 8 through August 3, and Cole August 5 through 31. The musical, which recently garnered seven Tony nods, including Best Musical, is playing at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.

Combined, the trio of legends have received 22 platinum and gold records, 18 Grammy Awards and sold almost 300 million albums worldwide. LaBelle has previously starred on Broadway in Fela! and Patti La Belle on Broadway. Knight appeared on the Great White Way in Smokey Joe’s Café. After Midnight marks Cole's Broadway debut.

Conceived by Jack Viertel, After Midnight is an evocative new musical that tackles the sexy, smoky glamour of the Jazz Age, set in the heyday of Duke Ellington’s years at Harlem’s Cotton Club. The show currently stars Vanessa Williams, Dulé Hill and Adriane Lenox.

In October 2013, 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:

Also read:

The American Black Film Festival Coming To NYC!

Invitation:  Sunday, June 29th - The Crystal Ship Filmmaker 2014 Mini Indie Festival

Track On Track TV: Sizzle Reel Spring 2014

The American Black Film Festival Coming To NYC!

Save the dates - June 19th - 22nd, 2014 to celebrate its 18th year, American Black Film Festival is relocating to the diverse metropolis of New York City: a place synonymous with bringing people from all walks of life together.  I will be on the scene bringing you exclusive updates, reviews, interviews and news!          

They are designing a magical village within it, where you will be able to delve into all kinds of diverse stories not available at your local theater. Four days of Hollywood premieres, indie films and dynamic events such as ABFF’s new Entertainment and Lifestyle Expo, celebrity conversations, master classes, film and TV focused panels, plus our hit comedy show, are all being staged to entertain, inform and connect people with a common passion for Black culture.

Check back,  for all the exclusive updates, reviews, interviews and news!

Related ABFF Posts from Robin Downes. 

Also read:

Invitation: Sunday, June 29th - The Crystal Ship Filmmaker 2014 Mini Indie Festival

 

Invitation: Sunday, June 29th - The Crystal Ship Filmmaker 2014 Mini Indie Festival

Save the date!  Sunday, June 29th - For The Crystal Ship Filmmaker 2014 Mini Indie Festival.  We have two sizzle reels, Yoga Flava TV & Track On Track TV,  that will be screened.  Plans are in the works for Track On Track TV to host the after party.  Stay tuned...

Track On Track TV: Host DJ Art Spins On WBLS Memorial Day Weekend

DJ Art

Track On Track TV is a Music Newsmagazine TV Series focusing on house music.

Hosted by Kervyn Mark and DJ Art

Executive Produced by Domingo Canate and Robin Downes.

Watch now >>> this promo for DJ Art Spinning on WBLS Radio (107.5)  Memorial Day Weekend:

SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE CHANNEL: Track On Track TV - Music Newsmagazine Television Series. https://www.youtube.com/user/trackontracktv
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/trackontracktv
PINTREST: http://www.pinterest.com/trackontracktv/
INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/trackontracktv

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Robin Downes: Reporter / Producer For New TV Series "Track On Track"

R&B Divas' Nicci Gilbert Launches NoEgo TV on Youtube

New Sizzle Reel and Representation by Plaza 7 Talent Agency [VIDEO]

Magic Johnson's Spirited Super 70's Soul Party Highlights [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW]

 

DJ Art

 

Robin Downes: Reporter / Producer For New TV Series "Track On Track"

Executive Producer, Domingo Canate, hired me last year me to do some social media management for his film "Hands To The Sky".  After that he expressed how delighted he was to work with me and asked me to join his latest venture as the Reporter / Producer for  "Track On Track".

"Track on Track" is a Music Newsmagazine Television Series. Hosted by Kervyn Mark. Executive Produced by Domingo Canate and Robin Downes. Webisodes coming Spring 2014.

We are preparing for our first episode that will revolve around the event on Sunday May 11, 2011 - As part of the local initiative to rename King Street Larry Levan Way, the Red Bull Music Academy is proud to pay tribute to the legacy of the Paradise Garage's DJ Levan at the Larry Levan Street Party. For more information: http://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/events/nyc-2014-larry-levan-street-party

Track On Track will be covering the two after parties - one at SOBs and the other at Clarkson Restaurant.  Hope to see you there!  Leave a comment to let me know if you will be there or if you have any other questions or comments.

Here is a sample from the Robin Downes Network of the previous video work that I have done on behalf of "Hands To The Sky." Please subscribe and enjoy the following video sample:

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R&B Divas' Nicci Gilbert Launches NoEgo TV on Youtube

New Sizzle Reel and Representation by Plaza 7 Talent Agency [VIDEO]

Magic Johnson's Spirited Super 70's Soul Party Highlights [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW]

"SWV Reunited" WeTV Series Premiere Event Highlights | NYC | Januray 15, 2014 

R&B Divas' Nicci Gilbert Launches NoEgo TV on Youtube

Nichole “Nicci” Gilbert-Daniels is a producer, singer-songwriter and fashion designer. Michael Jackson’s label, MJJ Music signed her group, Brownstone to a record contract that had huge success. Nicci has written and produced musical stage plays, film and TV. Her R&B Divas franchise is recorded, as TV One’s highest rated reality series. And most recently Nicci launched NoEGo TV on YouTube, the Curvato clothing line and curvatolifestyle.com, allthingnicci.com digital destinations.

Watch the latest "PR Spin From Momma Lynn" (Lynn Allen Jeter and Associates) on the Robin Downes Network Youtube Channel, featuring Nicci Gilbert:

Also View More Posts From Robin Downes: 

New Sizzle Reel and Representation by Plaza 7 Talent Agency [VIDEO]

Magic Johnson's Spirited Super 70's Soul Party Highlights [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW]

"SWV Reunited" WeTV Series Premiere Event Highlights | NYC | Januray 15, 2014 

Tyler Lepley: Humble and Hot on "The Haves and The Have Nots" [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

Fantasia: AFTER MIDNIGHT On Broadway. "Nothing Can Get To Me" [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW]

New Sizzle Reel and Representation by Plaza 7 Talent Agency [VIDEO]

Thanks to the advice from my new representation, Plaza 7 Talent Agency (Francesca Grimaldi and Sharon Parker - Frazier) I recently completed the edit of my 2014 Yoga Flava Sizzle Reel.

Watch now and please leave a comment below

Watch and Subscribe: My Youtube Channels Yoga Flava TV and The Robin Downes Network:

 

Related Yoga Flava Post: Yoga: Top 10 Benefits [VIDEO]

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Magic Johnson's Spirited Super 70's Soul Party Highlights [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW]

"SWV Reunited" WeTV Series Premiere Event Highlights | NYC | January 15, 2014 

Tyler Lepley: Humble and Hot on "The Haves and The Have Nots" [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

Fantasia: AFTER MIDNIGHT On Broadway. "Nothing Can Get To Me" [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW]

Tyler Perry's 'For Better Or Worse' "God Bless Him" [VIDEO EXCLUSIVE CAST INTERVIEW]

Magic Johnson's Spirited Super 70's Soul Party Highlights [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW]

On Friday, January 31, 2014, Time Warner Cable and Aspire TV presented a pre-super bowl bash with the Ultimate Super 70s Soul Party hosted by Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Guests will be transported back to the days of disco with Soul Train dancers, glittering disco balls, and a live performance by the O’Jays. 

I had the opportunity to get an exclusive video interview with Magic and find out what the "spirit" of the 70's meant to him.  He wanted to give us an opportunity to dress up and reflect on a time that most of his Aspire TV viewers could reflect upon with fondness.  Check out the interview and highlights from the event in the following video:

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"SWV Reunited" WeTV Series Premiere Event Highlights | NYC | Januray 15, 2014 

Tyler Lepley: Humble and Hot on "The Haves and The Have Nots" [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

Fantasia: AFTER MIDNIGHT On Broadway. "Nothing Can Get To Me" [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW]

Tyler Perry's 'For Better Or Worse' "God Bless Him" [VIDEO EXCLUSIVE CAST INTERVIEW]

"SWV Reunited" WeTV Series Premiere Event Highlights | NYC | Januray 15, 2014

Robin Downes reports from the red carpet for the premiere event for WE tv's new series "SWV REUNITED." The show, premiering Thursday, January 16 at 10PM ET/PT, follows Grammy® nominated Sisters With Voices (SWV) during their make-it-or-break-it comeback tour.

SWV REUNITED stars Cheryl "Coko" Clemons, Leanne "Lelee" Lyons and Tamara "Taj" George were in attendance for photo opps and candid interviews. 

Check out this video episode of "What's up with Robin Downes" to find out what SWV learned about each other during the process:

The ‘90s R&B trio, SWV, is back with a vengeance! After marriage, kids and other endeavors, the trio decided it was time to reunite for a chance to recapture their fame. In 2012, their sultry sound was introduced to a whole new generation of fans with fifth studio album I Missed Us, which earned a Grammy® nod in 2013 for “Best Traditional R&B Performance.” “SWV Reunited” follows Cheryl “Coko” Clemons, Leanne “Lelee” Lyons and Tamara “Taj” George, three strong and talented women, as they figure out how to trust again—on and off the stage—and perform with each other.

First look  for SWV REUNITED here: http://www.wetv.com/videos/swv-premieres-january-2014.

Also View More Posts From Robin Downes: 

Tyler Lepley: Humble and Hot on "The Haves and The Have Nots" [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

Fantasia: AFTER MIDNIGHT On Broadway. "Nothing Can Get To Me" [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW]

Tyler Perry's 'For Better Or Worse' "God Bless Him" [VIDEO EXCLUSIVE CAST INTERVIEW]

The Crowdfunding Spirit

Renovation Inquiries | Help | Episode #1 [VIDEO 

Robin Downes Productions Collaborating On New Web Series.

 

Tyler Lepley: Humble and Hot on "The Haves and The Have Nots" [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

In New York City, on Monday, January 6, 2014, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and Tyler Perry Studios kicked off the year with a lively screening of Season 2 of their hit shows “The Haves and the Have Nots” and “Love Thy Neighbor.” I was included with over a hundred press and tastemakers, who packed the Tribeca Grand Screening Room on a wintry night to get a sneak peek of “Love Thy Neighbor” (LTN) and a full episode viewing of “The Haves and the Have Nots” (HHN). 

I was able to get an exclusive interview with HHN star, Tyler Lepley as he walked off the red carpet, right into my camera.  Mr. Lepley plays a "Have Not", Benny Young, the son of maid Hanna.  Benny is a blue-collar brother and a dutiful man who makes his mother proud.  Learn more about the humble actor and Tyler Perry's hottest show on the Oprah Winfrey Network by watching this video clip with highlights from the event and my exclusive interview.

HHN cast members in attendance included John Schneider, Renee Lawless, Gavin Houston, Peter Parros, Angela Robinson, Jaclyn Betham, Aaron O’Connell, Eva Tamargo and Tyler Lepley. [Not attending were Tika Sumpter who was in Mississippi shooting a film and Crystal Fox who was out of the country]. LTN cast on hand were Patrice Lovely, Palmer Williams Jr, Kendra C. Johnson, Andre Hall, Jonathan Chase and Darmirra Brunson. Tyler Perry Studios executives Ozzie Areu (president/executive producer), Will Areu (senior vice president/producer) and Mark Swinton (producer) were also in the building to celebrate the highly anticipated second season of these shows.

“The Haves and the Have Nots” returns Tuesdays at 9pm ET/PT on OWN.

http://oprah.com/havesandhavenots

#havesandhavenots  #toodarnhot

“Love Thy Neighbor” premieres Wednesdays at 9pm ET/PT on OWN.

http://oprah.com/lovethyneighbor

#lovethyneighbor

Photo Credit: Stephen Knight

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Fantasia: AFTER MIDNIGHT On Broadway. "Nothing Can Get To Me" [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW]

Tyler Perry's 'For Better Or Worse' "God Bless Him" [VIDEO EXCLUSIVE CAST INTERVIEW]

The Crowdfunding Spirit

Renovation Inquiries | Help | Episode #1 [VIDEO 

Robin Downes Productions Collaborating On New Web Series.

Jennifer Hudson in "The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete" Opened ABFF 2013