RnB Press: Releases

Hip Hop Research: Book List at 51 Academic Titles & Growing!

Hip Hop Research, a new blog from Clyde Smith devoted to documenting academic studies of hip hop, has reached 51 titles with more on the way.

Entries feature the book's cover art, when available, and basic links to WorldCat, a world library search engine, as well as options from Amazon and Google for checking out the book's content.

The long term goal is to use this book list as a basis for an annotated bibligraphy of academic studies of hip hop but it's pretty cool just to see what researchers have already accomplished in this area of study.

Please pass this news on to students, educators, researchers and folks who like to know what's up!

RnB Press and Urban Arts & Fashion Press Moving to Hip Hop Press Site

I'm in the process of reorganizing things and have decided to merge RnB Press and Urban Arts & Fashion Press with Hip Hop Press.

Feedburner feeds, subscription options and Twitter feeds will remain the same though there may be a bit of bumpiness over the next couple of days.

The merger will create a Hip Hop Press home page and dated archives that will display press releases from all three previously separate blogs while topical themes will be found under the categories:
Hip Hop Press Releases
RnB Press Releases
Urban Arts and Fashion Press Releases

I'm also going to become more selective about which releases I run. Although I now occasionally reject releases for glaring spelling and grammar errors, moving forward correct spelling and grammar will generally be a prerequisite for inclusion, though slang and other nonstandard approaches will be honored as an element of these interconnected subcultures.

I apologize for the confusion around the different sites and related developments and I'm hoping this will not only clear up some of the confusion but also lead to a better look for the RnB and Urban Arts & Fashion press releases.

Questions, comments and publicity materials can be sent to:
hiphoppress(at)netweed(dot)com

Clyde

Note:
Ads will be getting a little junkier and more annoying.  I guess that's the cost of free in a deepening recessions.  Though I'll probably pull that fat naked belly ad pretty soon cause it's getting on my nerves too!

Gold Starr Records Prepares For 2009 Bo Benton Single Release "I Know You Want It"

Los Angeles, CA, 2/05/09 (Hip Hop PR Wire) -- Los Angeles-based record label, Gold Starr Records is starting the New Year off with a bang by releasing two singles from their two superstar acts, Bo Benton and Pusher DeVille. The former is an empowering and musically conscious artist, known for her forceful lyrics and eclectic musical offerings. She is an electrifying vocalist and a master on rewriting the rules on courtship, romance, fun and love. In a time where top industry executives are more likely to create stars rather than gravitate to those with natural abilities, it's no wonder why singers like Bo Benton were once overlooked. But deprived music fans look no further.  Bo Benton has arrived and her latest single "I Know You Want It" featuring Pusher Deville will be impacting radio on February 10th.

Gold Starr Records other offering is College Park rapper Pusher DeVille. As an Atlanta rap wordsmith veteran, he can still cut his teeth on today's current litter of young emcees.  His forthcoming album will be agripping sonic novel that sheds insight on his turbulent life but also contain blazing tracks which will set butts in perpetual motion. Look no farther than his debut single "Bodies In The Club" impacting radio March 2009.

Gold Starr Records is distributed through Fontana Distribution/Universal Music Group.

To listen to Bo Benton's "I Know You Want It", click here for the audio link:

For additional information or interviews, please feel free to call:

Michele Roy, D.M.P. Public Relations
Phone: 732-619-5008 /  Michele@dmppublicrelations.net
www.goldstarr.com

Terence Blanchard, Neil Diamond, M.I.A., Smokey Robinson, Robin Thicke, Allen Toussaint and Stevie Wonder Added to Stellar Lineup for 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards

Special Bo Diddley Tribute to Feature Buddy Guy, B.B. King, John Mayer, and Keith Urban

Kate Beckinsale, Blink 182, Natalie Cole, Zooey Deschanel, Diddy, Morgan Freeman, Green Day, Dwayne Johnson, John Legend, Leona Lewis, LL Cool J, Jason Mraz, Emily Procter, LeAnn Rimes, and will.i.am Are Latest Presenters Announced for Music's Biggest Night® Live on CBS Sunday, Feb. 8

February 05, 2009, SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Two-time GRAMMY® winner and current GRAMMY nominee Terence Blanchard, GRAMMY winner and 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year Neil Diamond, current nominee M.I.A., GRAMMY winner Smokey Robinson, current nominee Robin Thicke, 2009 Recording Academy Trustees Award recipient Allen Toussaint, 25-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Stevie Wonder, and a tribute to Bo Diddley featuring current nominees Buddy Guy, B.B. King, John Mayer and Keith Urban are the next round of performers announced for the 51st Annual GRAMMY® Awards.

They join previously announced performers Adele; Chris Brown; Kenny Chesney; Coldplay; Estelle and Kanye West; Jennifer Hudson; Jonas Brothers; Kid Rock; Lil Wayne; Paul McCartney (with special guest drummer Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters); Katy Perry; Robert Plant & Alison Krauss; Radiohead; Rihanna; Sugarland; Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus; T.I. and Justin Timberlake; U2; Carrie Underwood; a Four Tops Tribute featuring Duke Fakir (2009 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and original member of the Four Tops), Jamie Foxx and Ne-Yo; and Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, T.I. and Kanye West in a special performance of their hit single "Swagga Like Us."

Actress Kate Beckinsale, a reunited Blink 182, eight-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Natalie Cole, actress/musician Zooey Deschanel, GRAMMY winner Sean "Diddy" Combs, Academy Award® winner Morgan Freeman, three-time GRAMMY winner Green Day, actor Dwayne Johnson, five-time GRAMMY winner John Legend, current GRAMMY nominee Leona Lewis, two-time GRAMMY winner LL Cool J, current GRAMMY nominee Jason Mraz, actress Emily Procter ("CSI:Miami"), two-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee LeAnn Rimes, and three-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee will.i.am are the latest presenters announced for Music's Biggest Night®. Previously announced presenters include actor Simon Baker (CBS' "The Mentalist"), actor/musician Jack Black, nine-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Sheryl Crow, current three-time GRAMMY nominee Duffy, talk show host Craig Ferguson (CBS' "The Late, Late Show With Craig Ferguson"), nine-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Al Green, current nominee Josh Groban, three-time GRAMMY-winning jazz musician and current nominee Charlie Haden, actor Samuel L. Jackson, actor Jay Mohr (CBS' "Gary Unmarried"), Academy Award-winning actress and current GRAMMY nominee Gwyneth Paltrow, GRAMMY winner Queen Latifah, and rapper and current nominee T-Pain.

The music industry's premier event will take place live on Sunday, Feb. 8, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in HDTV and 5.1 Surround Sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

The show also will be supported on radio via Westwood One worldwide, and covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com, on Twitter at "theGRAMMYs," on Facebook at "The Recording Academy," on YouTube at "51stGRAMMYs," and on Last.fm at "the51stgrammys."

John Mayer has five nominations: Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media for "Stay"; Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals ("Lesson Learned" with Alicia Keys); Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance ("Gravity"); and Best Long Form Music Video (Where The Light Is — Live In Los Angeles).

Leona Lewis and will.i.am each are up for three awards. Lewis is nominated for Record Of The Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Bleeding Love," and Best Pop Vocal Album (Spirit). will.i.am has nods for Song Of The Year ("American Boy" with Keith Harris, Josh Lopez, Caleb Speir, John Stephens, Estelle Swaray, & Kanye West), Best Urban/Alternative Performance ("Be OK" with Chrissette Michele), and Producer Of The Year.

Jason Mraz has two nods: Song Of The Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "I'm Yours."

Terence Blanchard, Natalie Cole, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, M.I.A., LeAnn Rimes, Robin Thicke, Keith Urban, and Stevie Wonder each are nominated. Terence Blanchard has a nomination for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo (Be-Bop). Buddy Guy and B.B. King each have a nod in the Best Traditional Blues Album category; Guy for Skin Deep and King for One Kind Favor. M.I.A. garnered a nomination in Record Of The Year for "Paper Planes." LeAnn Rimes is nominated for Best Female Country Vocal Performance ("What I Cannot Change"). Robin Thicke earned a nod for Album Of The Year (as an artist and producer on Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III). Keith Urban is up for Best Country Collaboration With Vocals ("Let The Wind Chase You" with Trisha Yearwood). Stevie Wonder has a nomination for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals ("Never Give You Up" with Raphael Saadiq and CJ Hilton).

As previously announced, this year's "My GRAMMY Moment" segment on the telecast gives music fans an opportunity to virtually share music's biggest stage with current GRAMMY nominee Katy Perry. Produced in partnership with CBS.com, music fans can upload a 30- to 60-second video of themselves singing along to a portion of Perry's "I Kissed A Girl" to www.cbs.com/grammys through Feb. 6. Videos will be voted on by fans and the public at-large, and the most popular videos will be shown as part of Perry's performance on Music's Biggest Night.

Additionally, The 51st Annual GRAMMY® Awards Pre-Telecast Ceremony will take place from 1 – 3:45 p.m. PT at the Los Angeles Convention Center and will be streamed live internationally at www.grammy.com beginning at 1 p.m. PT. Hosting and performing at the Pre-Telecast will be current GRAMMY nominees Wayne Brady and Tia Carrere, with additional live performances by Latin GRAMMY-winning folk/jazz singer and current nominee Lila Downs, GRAMMY-winning classical artist and current nominee Hilary Hahn, and current GRAMMY nominee Heavy D. Presenting GRAMMY Awards in approximately 99 categories will be four-time GRAMMY-winning gospel singer Yolanda Adams, producer/host of the syndicated "Millennium of Music" radio show Robert Aubry Davis, GRAMMY-winning songwriter/producer Lamont Dozier, GRAMMY-winning children's folk artists Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, comedian Alex Raymundo, and actor and current nominee Blair Underwood. The live stream of the Pre-Telecast will remain on GRAMMY.com for 30 days following the event.

The 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by John Cossette Productions in association with AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich and John Cossette are executive producers, Walter C. Miller is producer/director, Tisha Fein is the coordinating producer, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers. Musical directors for the telecast and pre-telecast are Rickey Minor and Larry Batiste, respectively.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.

Contacts

The Recording Academy
Barb Dehgan
310-392-3777
or
Rogers & Cowan
Maureen O'Connor
310-854-8116
or
CBS Television
Colleen Sullivan or Kate Fisher
818-655-1590 or 212-975-3818

R&B Artist Charlie Wilson Announces Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

With Early Detection and a Promising Prognosis, Famed Vocalist Teams with the Prostate Cancer Foundation to Raise Awareness and Funds for Research

February 05, 2009, SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Charlie Wilson, the famed R&B artist widely known as the lead vocalist for the GAP Band in the 1980s and his gold-certified album, Charlie Last Name Wilson, announced that he is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. He also announced that he is teaming with the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) to raise awareness and research funds for prostate cancer. His second solo album on Jive Records, Uncle Charlie, featuring the top-ten single There Goes My Baby, is scheduled for release on February 17.

"When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September, I thought to myself 'I'm too young… this isn't a cancer I should be getting,'" says Wilson. "While I was surprised to discover that this disease strikes one out of every six American men, I was astounded to learn that African American men are 1.6 times more likely than others to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. My wife, Mahin, and I are very fortunate. I was lucky to be diagnosed and begin treatment early. My prognosis is excellent."

Wilson is buoyed by the fact that his cancer was detected early. Following his diagnosis in September, he consulted with his doctor to select a treatment option that was right for him. He started on a course of therapy on November 21.

Scientists do not yet understand why prostate cancer odds—both incidence and death rates—are higher among African American men. Genetic differences, lifestyle and nutrition habits, and access to healthcare may all play a role in the statistics.

In dealing with his situation, Wilson understood two things: he had to decide on a treatment that was right for him and he had to do something about getting the word out about prostate cancer to African American and all men. "For years I've spent my life performing," explains Wilson. "Now I need to spend time informing.

"Although men are 35 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than women are to be diagnosed with breast cancer, no one seems to talk about the disease," says Wilson. "We men don't want to consider or vocalize our vulnerabilities. It was my wife who kept after me to see my doctor for a screening. I thank God she did. Now I feel compelled to spread the word about prostate cancer."

Wilson will be taking the message of early detection and treatment on the road with him as he starts his media and concert tours for his new album this spring. He plans to deliver his message overseas to U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Kuwait when he performs for them in late February.

Wilson will also be helping the Prostate Cancer Foundation raise funds to support prostate cancer research, specifically by supporting a PCF Creativity Research Grant. These grants support creative research ideas with high potential and no current funding. They encourage the development of high-risk/high-reward concepts that, if successful, could provide the basis for dramatically reducing death and suffering from prostate cancer. They are intended to bridge the gap between an idea and the results necessary to justify increased funding. Those wanting to make a donation to the Charlie Wilson-PCF Creativity Research Grant can go to www.unclecharliewilson.com. There they will find more information on Wilson's support of PCF research and a direct link for making donations online or by mail.

"I am excited to be working with the PCF. They are the driving force behind many of the advances that have been made in prostate cancer treatment to date," says Wilson. "Their work has helped reduce the death rate by nearly 40 percent in the past few years. Together, I believe we can make an important impact."

About the Prostate Cancer Foundation

The Prostate Cancer Foundation is the world's largest philanthropic source of support for prostate cancer research focused on discovering better treatments and a cure for recurrent prostate cancer. Founded in 1993, the PCF has raised more than $370 million and provided funding to more than 1,500 research projects nearly 200 institutions worldwide. The PCF also advocates for greater awareness of prostate cancer and more governmental research funds. PCF advocacy has helped produce a 20-fold increase in government funding for prostate cancer since 1994. More information about prostate cancer and the PCF can be found at www.pcf.org.

Contacts

For the Prostate Cancer Foundation:
Dan Zenka, APR
Vice President, Communications
310-570-4714 (Direct)
dzenka@pcf.org
or
For Charlie Wilson Media Relations:
Karen E. Lee
310-283-9171
KL364@aol.com
or
Juanita Stephens
404-494-9156
jsmediarel@aol.com

Eye Legacy: Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes' personal collection of unreleased tracks in stores now

Mass Appeal Entertainment releases new album from Grammy Award Winning rapper Left Eye, with tracks featuring Missy Elliott, Lil Mama, Chamillionaire, TLC, and Bobby Valentino.

Boston, MA, 2/04/09 (Hip Hop PR Wire) -- In conjunction with the Lopes family, Mass Appeal Entertainment released "Eye Legacy" on January 27, 2009. Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes' posthumous release is filled with 12 unreleased tracks alongside re-tooled songs from the limited edition international release, Supernova (2001)

Eye Legacy is a personal collection of creative testaments from one of music's most well-known female artists. Eye Legacy boasts an amazing compilation of special collaborations from some of music's biggest stars, along with new vocals from Left Eye.

The first single "Let's Just Do It" is an infectious and empowering anthem featuring Lopes' former TLC group members as well as female rap icon, Missy Elliott. Rap teen sensation, Lil Mama joins Lopes for a new version of "Block Party," a track previously featured on Lopes' Supernova album, released in 2001. Other artists featured on the album include Chamillionaire (Ridin' Dirty/Hip Hop Police), R&B crooner Bobby Valentino (Slow Down), and Free (106 & Park).

"We hope people understand the message in Lisa's music and appreciate her as not just a member of TLC, but as a solo artist as well. This album is Left Eye's musical gift to her fans and adds to the beauty of her legacy," The Lopes family states.

The new disc includes exclusive bonus material with never-before-seen intimate video footage from Left Eye's final days. Furthermore, as a tribute to the late rapper's humanitarian efforts, a percentage of proceeds from album sales will support the Lisa Lopes Foundation and her orphanage in Honduras.

As a member of TLC, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes sold over 45 million albums and amassed numerous accolades for her talent, including 4 Grammy awards and 5 MTV Awards. Left Eye played an integral role in making TLC, undoubtedly, one of the best selling female groups in music history. Eye Legacy grants the millions of Left Eye fans, and music lovers alike, one more chance to connect to TLC's most celebrated, charismatic, and outspoken member—Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes.

For more information on the Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes legacy and her last solo project, Eye Legacy, please log onto www.lefteyelegacy.com.

For donations to the Lisa Lopes Foundation please log onto www.lisalopesfoundation.org.

###

About Mass Appeal Entertainment (www.massappealmusic.com)
Owned and operated by Producer/CEO Marcus "DL" Siskind (Backstreet Boys, Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, etc.) Mass Appeal Entertainment is a Boston, MA based company with a multitude of artists currently signed from various musical genres. Mass Appeal also has divisions in Publishing (Shakertown Music is a joint venture with Sony/ATV Publishing), Recording (world class Blue Jay Recording Studio, www.bluejaystudio.com), and Production with 8 Producers and Songwriters crafting hit songs for many of today's top acts. In June 2008, Mass Appeal Entertainment entered into an exclusive, multi-year venture with KOCH Entertainment to distribute all forthcoming releases that include albums by artists such as the legendary Lisa Lisa (from Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam), Boston's Hiphop star Dre Robinson, Singer/Songwriter Ryan Toby (formerly of City High), and Cape Verdean Singer Suzanna Lubrano.

Press Contact:
Rochelle Goldsmith
Phone: 646-290-8256
Email: Rochelle@massappealmusic.com

Three-Time Grammy Nominee Raphael Saadiq to Perform at 17th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards(R) Viewing Party

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The Elton John AIDS Foundation announced today that Grammy-nominated artist Raphael Saadiq will perform at the 17th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) Academy Awards(R) Viewing Party on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles. The event will be co-hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish, and will be co-sponsored by Chopard, Jo & Raffy Manoukian, and Vh1.

Oakland native Raphael Saadiq made his entree into the music world in the late 1980s as the lead singer and bass player for the multi-platinum R&B group Tony! Toni! Tone!. After leaving the group, the multi-talented Saadiq took his love of music and began writing and producing for some of today's top musicians including Joss Stone, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, and Mary J. Blige. In 2000, his work as a producer won Saadiq a Grammy for the song "Untitled" off D'Angelo's Voodoo, and in 2002, he released his much-anticipated first solo album Instant Vintage, a collection of soulful songs that earned him five Grammy nominations. In September 2008, Saadiq released his third solo album, The Way I See It, which landed him the #1 position on iTunes Top Albums of the Year as well a spot on Rolling Stone's Best Album's of 2008 list and 2008 Billboard Critics Top 10 list. The Way I See It has earned Saadiq three Grammy nominations, including Best R&B Album, Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance, and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group for his song "Never Give You Up" featuring Stevie Wonder and CJ Hilton.

'The Way I See It' is a masterpiece," said Sir Elton John. "I think it is one of the best albums of the year and certainly the best R&B album of the year. I'm absolutely thrilled and excited that he will be performing at our Oscar party. I can't wait to hear the songs live."

The Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award(R) Viewing Party, the most successful fundraising event in Hollywood on Oscar(R) night, has once again tapped New York City-based event design company Antony Todd Incorporated to transform the "Outdoor Plaza" of the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood into an elegant arena for this year's event. Todd's design will take a modern approach on the classic supper club, mixing traditional elements with modern and whimsical touches. This year's guests, who will arrive at 4:00pm for a cocktail reception, can also expect some decadent treats, such as Godiva Chocolate Truffletini's and a five-course dinner consisting of menu items such as aged 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano with pear compote and Entu jelly and Carnaroli risotto flavored with dry Marsala wine and crystallized flowers prepared by Chef Wayne of Los Angeles-based Crumble Catering.

EJAF also announced today the evening's event chairs: David and Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Joseph Blount and Craig Reynolds, Tom Calderone, Richard Cook, Elvis Costello and Diana Krall, Stephen Daldry, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele, Diane Jenkins, Nicole Kidman, Ed Limato, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Stone, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Donatella Versace and John Walters

ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION: The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) was established in the United States in 1992 (EJAF-US) and in the United Kingdom in 1993 (EJAF-UK) by founder and chairman Sir Elton John. Together, both entities have raised over $150 million to support HIV/AIDS prevention and service programs in 55 countries around the globe since inception. Today, EJAF is one of the world's leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations supporting innovative HIV prevention programs, efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, and direct care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS. EJAF-US's current grant-making priorities target HIV prevention programs in the Southern United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America; HIV prevention and care services for highly marginalized and vulnerable populations; and HIV/AIDS prevention education and the promotion of sexual health for adolescents.

CHOPARD: There are few jewelers in the world whose designs are immediately recognizable. At the forefront of that list is Chopard. For over 140 years, the "World of Chopard" has embraced elegance, originality and individuality. Renowned internationally for its award-winning "Happy Diamonds" creations, the Chopard collection also includes an array of designs that adorn celebrities around the world. Meticulously crafted in Geneva, Switzerland since 1860, Chopard has distinguished itself worldwide for luxurious jewels and impeccably crafted high-precision timepieces that embody imaginative design and sophistication. To mark Chopard's 10 years of support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele has designed a new watch collection in collaboration with Sir Elton John himself. A testament to their friendship, the watch collection reflects the artist's extravagant personality as well as his tremendous generosity. A percentage of sales from these watches benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation. For further information, phone 1.800.CHOPARD or explore Chopard on line at www.chopard.com.

JO AND RAFFY MANOUKIAN: Jo & Raffy Manoukian are honored to be one of the sponsors of the annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards(R) Viewing Party. They have been personal friends of Sir Elton John since the early 1990s and are actively involved with the Foundation in the capacity of both Trustees and Board Members. The Elton John AIDS Foundation forms only one part of Jo & Raffy's philanthropy. Their charitable efforts span the globe with special emphasis on health, education, sports and media ventures.

VH1: Vh1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. Vh1 is available in 95 million households in the U.S. Vh1 also has an array of digital channels and services including Vh1Classic, Vh1 Soul, Vh1 Mobile, Vh1Games and extensive broadband video on Vh1.com. Connect with Vh1 at www.vh1.com.

AMERICAN AIRLINES: American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection airlines serve 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 3,400 daily flights. American Airlines is the official airline of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

  For more information on Raphael Saadiq please visit www.RaphaelSaadiq.com.

  Contact:  Christina Lee/ Ivy Mollenkamp
            ROGERS & COWAN
            310-854-8100

Source: Elton John AIDS Foundation

CONTACT: Christina Lee or Ivy Mollenkamp, both of ROGERS & COWAN,
+1-310-854-8100, for Elton John AIDS Foundation

WeeWorld and Virtual Greats to Launch Justin Timberlake Collection

WeeWorld and Virtual Greats' Strategic Partnership Brings Timberlake Items to WeeWorld.com

BOSTON, MA and LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - February 4, 2009) - WeeWorld, the most popular interactive avatar community and home of the WeeMee, and Virtual Greats LLC, the world's leading virtual goods sales and distribution system, today announced the debut of a fashion line and room accessories from international celebrity and musician Justin Timberlake. WeeWorld will offer users new items featuring William Rast, Timberlake's fashion line, including, shirts, pants, shoes, hats and more. Special accessories designed to capture Timberlake's unique style, as well as his celebrity WeeMee will also be available for fans to add in their WeeWorld Room.

Justin Timberlake News Facts:

-- Justin Timberlake is a singer, songwriter, record producer and an actor. He has won six Grammy Awards and an Emmy Award.

-- New to WeeWorld, Justin fans can style and accessorize their WeeMee with special items including a waistcoat, tartan tie, trilby hat and more.

-- Fans can also select a limited edition Justin Timberlake WeeMee for their virtual room.

-- Timberlake will be featured on WeeWorld's "What's New" page, starting today.

Quotes:

-- Lauren Bigelow, GM and SVP of Marketing, WeeWorld: "Justin Timberlake will be among many successful celebrity partnerships WeeWorld has planned in the virtual goods space. We recognize that the virtual goods market is rapidly growing and partnering with Virtual Greats allows WeeWorld to extend its reach into the celebrity and entertainment-based virtual goods market."

-- Dan Jansen, CEO, Virtual Greats LLC: "We are excited to spearhead the celebrity virtual goods initiatives with WeeWorld and its large user base. Introducing our client Justin Timberlake to new and innovative media on the Internet, like virtual communities, gives celebrities an opportunity to interact with their fans in ways never before possible."

Resources:

-- Justin Timberlake WeeWorld Promotions: http://www.weeworld.com/whatsnew/

-- To experience WeeWorld and create your own WeeMee, visit: http://www.weeworld.com

-- To learn more about Virtual Greats and their properties, visit: http://www.virtualgreats.com

About WeeWorld

WeeWorld (www.weeworld.com) is the most popular interactive avatar community and a trusted site for dynamic self-expression, creation and communication. Through an expansive palette of features, clothes, accessories, hobbies, etc., WeeWorld users can create their personalized WeeMee avatar, connect with friends, decorate their own visual space, send animated messages, play games and more. More than 26 million WeeMees worldwide are redefining avatar demographics and establishing the WeeMee as the world's most widely used and recognized avatar. WeeMees can be created on many sites including Windows Live Messenger and AOL's Instant Messenger, and are portable to all major social networks and blogging sites. WeeWorld has offices in Boston, London and Glasgow, and is funded by Accel Partners (www.accel.com) and Benchmark Capital (www.benchmark.com).

About Virtual Greats LLC

Virtual Greats is the world's leading virtual goods sales and distribution system, connecting celebrities, artists, content creators, IP holders, and luxury brands with a new generation of fans through the online trade of likenesses, fashion, catchphrases, and other virtual representations of real-world talent. Based in Los Angeles, Virtual Greats is affiliated with Millions of Us LLC, an agency specializing in virtual worlds and large online communities.

WeeWorld Contacts:
US Contact:
Erica Camilo or John Connolly
(781) 861-7800
Email Contact
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=B767FFA4815DF9DD
or Email Contact
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=B64EB1C1B8D1126E

UK Contact:
Alyssa Taffet
+44 (0)207 758 8280
Email Contact
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=EB4BED9F2F83A615

Virtual Greats Contacts:
Mat Small
(510) 684-3552
Email Contact
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=C87C762F3E202388

Winter 2009 Tour Dates Announced for Grammy Nominated Singer-Songwriter Raphael Saadiq

NEW YORK, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Contemporary soul singer Raphael Saadiq has announced the initial dates on his heavily-anticipated 2009 Winter Tour, beginning February 28 at the House of Blues in San Diego (please see full itinerary following). Raphael's upcoming performances mark the artist's first full-length headline concert appearances since a series of highly successful dates opening for his Columbia Records labelmate John Legend in December 2008.

Saadiq's forthcoming shows come at a high point for the artist, whose groundbreaking sound combining the best elements of traditional and contemporary Rhythm & Blues has garnered three 2009 Grammy nominations including Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals (for "Never Give You Up," a key track from The Way I See It featuring Stevie Wonder & CJ Hilton); Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance (for "Love That Girl," another deep groove from The Way I See It) and the big one: Best R&B Album for The Way I See It. The 2009 Grammy Award ceremony will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 8, 2009 and broadcast that evening on CBS television (please check your local listings).

Raphael's critically acclaimed latest collection, The Way I See It, was named iTunes #1 Best Album of 2008. With an average customer rating of four-and-a-half-stars, The Way I See It has been praised in an iTunes online review for "inhabit(ing) the atmosphere of late-Sixties Motown and Philadelphia International, incorporating the distinctly echo-laden drum shuffles of Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye, as well as the swelling string choruses of the Delfonics and the Stylistics....music pours from this performer as easily as it did from Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder before him."

The Way I See It, chosen by NPR's "World Cafe" as one of 2008's Top 10 CDs, reached #19 on the Billboard Top 200 best-selling albums chart and Top 10 (#8) on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart.

About Raphael Saadiq Raphael Saadiq has been playing music since the age of 6, first rising to prominence under the name Raphael Wiggins in the R&B trio Tony! Toni! Tone! in the late 1980s going on to form a second R&B trio, Lucy Pearl, in the early 90s.

Launching his career as a solo artist in the mid 1990s, Raphael earned his first five Grammy nominations -- setting the record for an independent release -- for his 2002 album debut, Instant Vintage. A crossover success, Instant Vintage peaked at #25 on the Billboard Top 200 and #6 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart.

Raphael's collaborated with, and produced records for, a variety of artists including D'Angelo, who won a Grammy in 2000 for "Untitled (How Does It Feel)," Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, The Isley Brothers, The Roots, Macy Gray, Snoop Dogg, Devin the Dude, Kelis, Q-Tip, The Bee Gees, Nappy Roots, T-Boz from TLC, Joss Stone, Earth, Wind & Fire and many others. Raphael took home a Grammy for Best R&B Song in 2002 for his work on "Love Of My Life (An Ode To Hip Hop)" by Erykah Badu featuring Common.

His latest album, The Way I See It, available in a collector's edition box set of 7" 45 rpm singles as well as on traditional CD, represents the finest example to-date of Raphael's downtown sound, a masterful blend of old and new school sensibilities on tracks featuring artists such as Joss Stone, Stevie Wonder, and Jay-Z.

  Raphael Saadiq - 2009 Winter Tour Dates
  DATE          CITY, STATE        VENUE
  Sat/Feb 28    San Diego, CA      House of Blues
  Mon/Mar-02    Los Angeles, CA    House of Blues
  Tue/Mar-03    San Francisco, CA  The Fillmore
  Thu/Mar-05    Seattle, WA        The Showbox @ The Market
  Fri/Mar-06    Portland, OR       Wonder Ballroom
  Sat/Mar-07    Vancouver, BC      Richard's On Richards Cabaret
  Tue/Mar-10    Denver, CO         Bluebird Theater
  Wed/Mar-11    Kansas City, MO    Voodoo Lounge @ Harrah's Casino
  Thu/Mar-12    Chicago, IL        Park West
  Fri/Mar-13    Minneapolis, MO    Fine Line Music Cafe
  Sun/Mar-15    Detroit, MI        City Theatre
  Mon/Mar-16    Toronto, ON        Phoenix Concert Theatre
  Tue/Mar-17    Montreal, QC       Cabaret du Musse Juste Pour Rire
  Thu/Mar-19    Boston, MA         Paradise Rock Club
  Fri/Mar-20    Philadelphia, PA   Theatre Of The Living Arts
  Sat/Mar-21    NY, NY             Fillmore
  Mon/Mar-23    Baltimore, MD      Rams Head Live!
  Tue/Mar-24    Washington DC      9:30 Club
  Thu/Mar-26    Charlotte, NC      Wachovia Atrium
  Sat/Mar-28    Atlanta, GA        Variety Playhouse

  www.raphaelsaadiq.com www.myspace.com/raphaelsaadiq
  www.columbiarecords.com

Source: Columbia Records

CONTACT: Benny Tarantini of Columbia Records, New York, +1-212-833-5858,
Benny.Tarantini@SonyMusic.com

Web Site: http://www.columbiarecords.com/

ASCAP Presents "The Hitmakers" Panel Grammy Weekend Featuring Johntá Austin, Ne-Yo, Manuel Seal and Tricky Stewart

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - February 3, 2009) - In celebration of this year's Grammy Awards, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will present a special "Hitmakers" panel discussion on Saturday, February 7th, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA.

The panel features Grammy Award-winning songwriters and producers; Johntá Austin (ASCAP's Pop and Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, Songwriter of the Year in 2007), Ne-Yo (nominated for six Grammy Awards this year), Manuel Seal and Tricky Stewart. This event is part of an ongoing ASCAP series of professional development programs that focus on the music creation process. Moderated by Billboard Magazine's Senior Editor/R&B Hip Hop, Gail Mitchell, the event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required, but it is first come, first served.

Commenting on this special event, ASCAP's SVP Domestic Membership, Randy Grimmett said: "ASCAP's commitment to the songwriting community is evidenced once again in the high-caliber programming of our 'Hitmakers' panel. On the eve of the Grammy Awards, ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Team has gathered Johntá Austin, Tricky Stewart, Manuel Seal and Ne-Yo to discuss the art and craft of songwriting and producing. This event is sure to fill quickly and we are honored to be joined by such an esteemed group of ASCAP members."

The featured panelists will discuss their experience with the hit records they have written:

Johntá Austin

Songwriter: "Be Without You" (Mary J. Blige), "Don't Forget About Us" (Mariah Carey), "Poppin'" (Chris Brown) and "Shake It Off" (Mariah Carey).

Ne-Yo

Songwriter: "Because of You," "Closer," nominated at the 2009 Grammy Awards for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, "Irreplaceable" (Beyonce), "Let Me Love You" (Mario), "Miss Independent," nominated at the 2009 Grammy Awards for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B song, "Sexy Love," "Take a Bow" (Rihanna) and "Unfaithful" (Rihanna).

Manuel Seal

Songwriter: "Always Be My Baby" (Mariah Carey); "My Boo" (Usher), "My Way" (Usher) and "We Belong Together" (Mariah Carey).

Tricky Stewart

Producer: "Me Against the Music" (Britney Spears featuring Madonna), "Umbrella" (Rihanna featuring Jay-Z), "Touch My Body" (Mariah Carey) and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (Beyonce).

                    ASCAP PRESENTS... "THE HITMAKERS" PANEL
             Saturday, February 7th from 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
                        Free and open to the public

                            MUSICIANS INSTITUTE
                 6752 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028

For more information, call Briana @ Bobbi Marcus PR & Events (310) 889-9200.

About ASCAP

Established in 1914, ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization (PRO) representing the world's largest repertory totaling over 8.5 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than 340,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members. ASCAP has representation arrangements with similar foreign organizations so that the ASCAP repertory is represented in nearly every country around the world where copyright law exists. ASCAP protects the rights of its members and foreign affiliates by licensing the public performances of their copyrighted works and distributing royalties based upon surveyed performances. ASCAP is the only American PRO owned and governed by its writer and publisher members. www.ascap.com

Shane Anderson Debut CD "Dangerous" Takes It To The Clubs

San Francisco, CA (Billboard Publicity Wire/PRWEB ) February 3, 2009 -- California singer-songwriter Shane Anderson is blazing a trail as the hottest up and coming artist of 2009. Shane's break out CD is solid with amazing songwriting and highly explosive delivery from his self debut album, "Dangerous". Shane proves he plans to be a permanent fixture within the music industry for a very long time. Whether you like R&B, Club, Hip Hop, Pop, Dance or Soul this CD will sure to feed your appetite.

From the heavy hitting drum bashing explosion of the club anthem Dangerous , to the story of what went .....Wrong, to the velvety smooth vocal styling of February , that leaves you longing for more. This album is sure to please even the most critical hip hop and urban music heads. This CD has enough crossover sensibility to appeal to all popular music fans world wide. You can feel the force of each lyric as it streams toward you.

Shane is often compared to R&B/Pop artists such as Ne-Yo and Chris Brown. Shane's vocals have been described as rich, earthy and soulful with influences that include Ne-yo, Chris Brown, Usher, Ryan Leslie, Justin Timberlake, Tank, Tyrese, Dwele, Musiq Soulchild and many, many more. Shane adds a much needed fresh style, all his own.

The album's tracks were graced by the production skills of Team Green, Oak, Xcluzive, Big "Al" Frasier, So For Real, Feenx Beatz and Drew. During the production phase of this CD, Shane worked with industry heavyweights who have produced and recorded with music billboard acts such as Ne-Yo , Chris Brown, Lloyd, Jennifer Lopez, Sterling Simms, Mario, Shawty Redd and many more.

Industry veterans describe Shane as a sincerely gifted song-writer with a singing voice thick with soul and passion. Shane's songs are truly timeless, classics of lyrics and melodies that sound as relevant today as they will be twenty years from now. Shane has created lyrics with deep, heartfelt soulful rhythms and catchy anthems.

When Shane was asked, "What is happening to the essence of today's music"? Shane replied "Some of today's music has gone in the direction of quantity over quality and substance ". "I wanted to create music that still delivers the ear candy to the audience but with a renewed focus of lyrics and songwriting. I believe that's what sets my music apart!" "I am striving to be an artist with longevity and creativity and I know that this album reflects that."

Shane's tracks have shown early signs of success through various online social networking mega sites where Shane's songs have reached over 1,500,000 plays. This also holds true as Shane's plays continue to grow at a screaming pace. Shane's popularity grows as his CD "Dangerous" continues getting global attention via the internet. Type in Shane Anderson, "Dangerous" online and you will see the explosion of interest that this CD is attracting.

A testimony by one of Shane's many fans said "I have listened to these digital down loads of Shane's songs over 30 times and can not get enough. I look forward to being able to purchase the CD being released the beginning of February". The fan went on to say "Its one thing listening to Shane's songs on your Ipod and that's cool......its just another complete experience being able to touch the CD and listen to it on the on the way to work ". We could not agree more!

Shane Anderson's CD "Dangerous" is available by Unique Productions Entertainment Group and is now available worldwide online through CD Baby, iTunes, Snocap, Napster just to name a few. Experience for yourself this unique and talented artist, Shane Anderson. Purchase Shane's CD at Shane's official artist site, MRANDERSONMUSIC.COM today.

###

CONTACT INFORMATION
Ron & KD Anderson
Unique Productions
1-650-208-8457
Email us Here
http://www.prweb.com/emailmember.php?prid=1945874

Nominees Adele, Chris Brown, and Sugarland Added to Superstar Lineup for 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards

Special Performance with Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift

Estelle and Kanye West to Perform Together

Four Tops Tribute to Feature Duke Fakir, Jamie Foxx, and Ne-Yo

Sheryl Crow, Craig Ferguson, Al Green, Jay Mohr, Queen Latifah, and T-Pain Are Latest Presenters Announced for Music's Biggest Night® Live on CBS Sunday, Feb. 8

February 03, 2009, SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Current GRAMMY® nominees Adele, Chris Brown, and Sugarland; a special performance with Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift; Estelle and Kanye West to perform together; and a Four Tops tribute featuring Duke Fakir (2009 Lifetime Achievement Award honoree and original member of the Four Tops), Academy Award® winner Jamie Foxx, and current nominee Ne-Yo are the next round of performers announced for the 51st Annual GRAMMY® Awards. They join previously announced performers Kenny Chesney, Coldplay, Jennifer Hudson, Jonas Brothers, Kid Rock, Lil Wayne, Paul McCartney (with special guest drummer Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters), Katy Perry, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Radiohead, Rihanna, T.I. and Justin Timberlake, U2, Carrie Underwood, and Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, T.I. and Kanye West in a special performance of their hit single "Swagga Like Us." Nine-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Sheryl Crow, talk show host Craig Ferguson (CBS' "The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson"), nine-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Al Green, actor Jay Mohr (CBS' "Gary Unmarried"), GRAMMY winner Queen Latifah, and rapper and current nominee T-Pain are the latest presenters announced for Music's Biggest Night®. Previously announced presenters include actor Simon Baker (CBS' "The Mentalist"), actor/musician Jack Black, current three-time GRAMMY nominee Duffy, current nominee Josh Groban, three-time GRAMMY-winning jazz musician and current nominee Charlie Haden, actor Samuel L. Jackson and Academy Award®-winning actress and current GRAMMY nominee Gwyneth Paltrow. The music industry's premier event will take place live on Sunday, Feb. 8, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in HDTV and 5.1 Surround Sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show also will be supported on radio via Westwood One worldwide, and covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com, on Twitter at "theGRAMMYs," on Facebook at "The Recording Academy," on YouTube at "51stGRAMMYs," and on Last.fm at "the51stgrammys." Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon.

Ne-Yo has six nominations: Album Of The Year and Best Contemporary R&B Album for Year Of The Gentleman; Best Male Pop Vocal Performance ("Closer"); Best Male R&B Vocal Performance ("Miss Independent"); and two nods for Best R&B Song ("Miss Independent" and "Spotlight," both with Mikkel S. Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen).

Adele and T-Pain have four nods: Adele is up for Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year (with Eg White) and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Chasing Pavements," and Best New Artist. T-Pain has two nominations in Best Rap/Sung Collaboration ("Low" with Flo Rida and "Got Money" with Lil Wayne), one for Best Rap Song ("Low" with T. Dillard and M. Humphrey), and one for Album Of The Year (as a featured artist and producer on Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III).

Al Green is nominated in three categories: Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals ("Stay With Me (By The Sea)" with John Legend), Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance ("You've Got The Love I Need" with Anthony Hamilton), and Best R&B Album (Lay It Down).

Chris Brown, Estelle and Sugarland each have two nods: Chris Brown is nominated for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals ("No Air" with Jordin Sparks) and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance ("Take You Down"). Estelle has nominations in Song Of The Year (with William Adams, Keith Harris, Josh Lopez, Caleb Speir, John Stephens, and Kanye West) and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (with Kanye West) for "American Boy." Sugarland is up for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals ("Stay") and Best Country Collaboration With Vocals ("Life In A Northern Town" with Jake Owen and Little Big Town).

Sheryl Crow is up for Best Pop Vocal Album (Detours).

As previously announced, this year's "My GRAMMY Moment" segment on the telecast gives music fans an opportunity to virtually share music's biggest stage with current GRAMMY nominee Katy Perry. Produced in partnership with CBS.com, music fans can upload a 30- to 60-second video of themselves singing along to a portion of Perry's "I Kissed A Girl" to www.cbs.com/grammys through Feb. 6. Videos will be voted on by fans and the public at-large, and the most popular videos will be shown as part of Perry's performance on Music's Biggest Night.

Additionally, The 51st Annual GRAMMY® Awards Pre-Telecast Ceremony will take place from 1 – 3:45 p.m. PT at the Los Angeles Convention Center and will be streamed live internationally on www.grammy.com beginning at 1 p.m. PT. Hosting and performing at the Pre-Telecast will be current GRAMMY nominees Wayne Brady and Tia Carrere, with additional live performances by Latin GRAMMY-winning folk/jazz singer and current nominee Lila Downs, GRAMMY-winning classical artist and current nominee Hilary Hahn, and current GRAMMY nominee Heavy D. Presenting GRAMMY Awards in approximately 99 categories will be four-time GRAMMY-winning gospel singer Yolanda Adams, producer/host of "Millennium of Music" radio show Robert Aubry Davis, GRAMMY-winning songwriter/producer Lamont Dozier, GRAMMY-winning children's folk artists Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, comedian Alex Raymundo, and actor Blair Underwood. The live stream of the Pre-Telecast will remain on GRAMMY.com for 30 days following the event.

The 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by John Cossette Productions in association with AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich and John Cossette are executive producers, Walter C. Miller is producer/director, Tisha Fein is the coordinating producer, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers. Musical directors for the telecast and pre-telecast are Rickey Minor and Larry Batiste, respectively.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.

Contacts

The Recording Academy
Barb Dehgan, 310-392-3777
or
Rogers & Cowan
Maureen O'Connor, 310-854-8116
or
CBS Television
Colleen Sullivan/Kate Fisher
818-655-1590/212-975-3818

Canadian R&B Sensation Keshia Chante Stars in SOUL; New Drama Series to Premiere Feb. 11 on VisionTV

- Canadian R&B sensation Keshia Chante stars in new drama series

- Premieres Feb. 11 at 9 p.m. ET on VisionTV

"The spotlight shines on whom it will. But that light can burn, make no mistake."

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 2, 2009) - Mahalia Brown has a talent that could open doors for her. But if she dares to step through, she may find herself in a dangerous place, far from everything in her life that's safe and true and comforting. Is it a price worth paying to live her dream?

Welcome to Mahalia's world. Welcome to SOUL.

A six-part drama premiering in February on VisionTV, SOUL stars Canada's premier R&B artist, Keshia Chante, as Mahalia, a gifted young gospel singer on the verge of leaving behind the safety of church and family for the fast track to pop stardom.

SOUL is VisionTV's first original hour-long drama series. It airs on Wednesday nights, starting Feb. 11, at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

The series was produced for VisionTV by Halifax Film, an award-winning production company whose credits include This Hour Has 22 Minutes and The Guard. Principal photography took place in Halifax, NS last fall.

SOUL is the first small-screen starring role for Ottawa-born Keshia Chante, who earned a Juno Award in 2005 for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year.

As Mahalia, Chante plays a young woman at a crossroads. A member of the Keystone Church choir, she has been content to play second fiddle to her best friend Alicia (Jessica Parker Kennedy, Smallville), the choir soloist, while secretly dreaming of stardom.

When Keystone competes in a televised choir competition, Mahalia seizes a chance to step into the spotlight, putting her friendship with Alicia at risk. Courted by an influential record producer, she finds her principles put to the test. Can she stay spiritual in a material world?

Mahalia's story unfolds against a backdrop of sometimes violent conflict within her troubled urban neighbourhood - a dangerous world of drugs and guns into which her ambitious brother Malcolm (Ish Morris, ReGenesis) is increasingly drawn.

SOUL also co-stars Eli Goree (North/South) as her boyfriend and fellow choir member Samson, a young man struggling to protect a troubling secret, and Karen LeBlanc (Playmakers) as choir leader Dee Dee Washington, a former pop star and recovering addict trying to undo the damage of her past.

Michael Anthony Rawlins (Intelligence), Kim Roberts (I'm Not There), Mpho Koaho (Flashpoint) and series co-creator Andy Marshall (The Life and Hard Times of Guy Terrifico) also star. Michael Beach (ER, Third Watch) guest stars as gospel music mover and shaker Rev. Isaiah Hunter.

The Executive Producers of SOUL are Floyd Kane (North/South), Peter Lauterman (North of 60), Michael Donovan (Bowling for Columbine) and Charles Bishop (The Guard). Joan Jenkinson is the Executive Producer for VisionTV.

Andy Marshall is Creative Producer, and Margaret Harrison (Shake Hands with the Devil) is Line Producer. The series writers are Andy Marshall, Peter Lauterman and Floyd Kane. The directors include Stefan Scaini (Degrassi: The Next Generation) and Steve DiMarco (The Chris Isaak Show).

SOUL is a result of the DiverseTV initiative launched by VisionTV in partnership with the National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI), and is the first DiverseTV project to go before the cameras. DiverseTV was designed to offer visible minority and Aboriginal writers the chance to create a television drama for national broadcast.

Visit the official SOUL Web site: www.soultv.ca

Visit the SOUL YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/SoulTheSeries

Check out SOUL on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/SOUL/44558069690?ref=ts

For more information on VisionTV programming, please visit www.visiontv.ca.

VisionTV, an S-VOX company, is Canada's multi-faith and multicultural broadcaster, dedicated to entertaining and insightful programming that celebrates diversity and promotes understanding and tolerance among people of different faiths and cultures.

Halifax Film (www.halifaxfilm.com), co-founded by Michael Donovan and Charles Bishop, develops and produces original film and television programming. Halifax Film manages and co-ordinates all aspects of a program's life, including developing original ideas; purchasing literary rights; arranging production financing; carrying out production and post-production; and exploiting worldwide distribution rights. Halifax Film is a subsidiary of DHX Media Ltd., a leading international producer and distributor of television programming and interactive content with an emphasis on children, family and youth markets.

SOUL - Episodes

"Stepping Through Doors"

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT

Mahalia takes her first steps toward gospel music stardom, but must choose between her loyalty to best friend Alicia and her thirst for fame. Mahalia's father, Pastor Clinton Brown, and Keystone Choir director Dee Dee Washington get into hot water with church elders when the choir delivers a provocative performance. To help her brother Malcolm secure a DJ gig, Mahalia reluctantly agrees to perform at the Babylon Fire nightclub with Alicia and their friend Samson, only to end up caught in the middle of a gang war. Music producer Jamil Foster makes a move on Mahalia.

"Twice"

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT

Mahalia and the Keystone choir receive an invitation from televangelist and gospel music super-producer Rev. Isaiah Hunter. An R&B/gospel track by Mahalia and Malcolm catches the interest of ruthless gang lord Shaka. Dee Dee fears the past is haunting her when Keystone Sanctuary is vandalized.

"Seducing Spirits"

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT

Mahalia deceives her parents and goes to New York to work with record producer Russell Alexander. Elder Tullock sabotages an attempted truce between Shaka's gang and Keystone, and learns the high cost of crossing Shaka. Samson questions himself after an intimate moment with a fellow choir member. Mahalia and Jamil have a confrontation over his plans for her career.

"Fathers and Daughters"

Wednesday, March 4, 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT

Mahalia is surprised when Rev. Isaiah Hunter (guest star Michael Beach) arrives with a tempting offer, and travels to Cleveland to record a track with his daughter, teen gospel sensation Nikki Hunter. But Isaiah has an agenda of his own. Jamil goes on the offensive when Mahalia refuses to authorize the release of the Russell Alexander track, while Dee Dee reaches out to a volatile Alicia.

"My Way"

Wednesday, March 11, 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT

Disenchanted with the worlds of both hip-hop and gospel, Mahalia takes a stab at creating her own music, with help from Malcolm. As Samson prepares to proclaim his love, Mahalia is confronted with evidence that his affections lie elsewhere. Malcolm is drawn deeper into Shaka's criminal schemes. Clinton and Roslyn find themselves divided on the question of their daughter's career path, while Mahalia comes to a decision about Jamil.

"Exile" - SEASON FINALE

Wednesday, March 18, 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT

Russell Alexander comes to town to record a track with Mahalia, a development that leaves Malcolm on the outside looking in, and triggers conflict at Keystone Sanctuary. Roslyn finds herself taking a more active role in Mahalia's career, while Dee Dee succumbs to old demons and Alicia risks her new relationship with Malcolm. Mahalia refuses to meet Russell's demands, leading to a confrontation - and a choice.

To view the photo included with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20090202-keshia800.jpg.

To view the video included with this press release, please visit the following link: ca.youtube.com/watch?v=hAq3ckGAwG0.

For more information, please contact
Media Contact:
VisionTV
David Todd, Media Relations Manager
(416) 368-3194, ext. 207
Email: dtodd@s-vox.com
Website: www.visiontv.ca

Palladia Celebrates the GRAMMY(R) Awards with Over 25 Different Music Shows and Concerts Featuring GRAMMY-Nominated Artists Airing All Weekend Friday - Sunday, Beginning February 6 at 9pm*

NEW YORK, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Palladia, MTV Networks' high-definition music channel will celebrate the upcoming 51st Annual GRAMMY(R) Awards with a full weekend of HD music programming featuring many of the nominated artists. Palladia's GRAMMY weekend will air Friday, February 6 beginning at 9pm through Sunday, February 8 at 8pm and will feature nominated artists in a variety of shows, performances and concert events.

The weekend will feature channel premieres of "MTV Live: Kings of Leon" and "Soundstage: Robert Plant" and encores of:

  --  "VH1 Storytellers" featuring Kid Rock, Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen,
      Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z
  --  "Soundstages" featuring John Mayer, Martina McBride and Sheryl Crow
  --  "CMT Crossroads" featuring Babyface & Trisha Yearwood, Robert Plant &
      Alison Krauss, .38 Special & Trace Adkins and Joss Stone & LeAnn Rimes
  --  "MTV Live: Coldplay"
  --  "MTV Unplugged" featuring Alicia Keys and Keyshia Cole
  --  "Radio 1's Big Weekend 2008"
  --  "Maroon 5: Live From Le Cabaret in Montreal"
  --  "Usher: Live Evolution 8701"
  --  "Lee Ann Womack: There's More Where That Came From"
  --  "CMT at Summerfest: Sugarland"
  --  "CMT Cross Country: Randy Travis & Josh Turner"
  --  "Electric Proms: Paul McCartney"
  --  "Soulstage: Raphael Saadiq"

The 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards will broadcast live Sunday, Feb. 8 on CBS at 8pm ET/PT

About Palladia

Palladia, MTV Networks' high-definition music channel, launched in January 2006 and features original music-based programming for a variety of music genres, including hip hop, rock, country, pop, reggaeton, soul and more, as well as HDTV acquisitions and original content from MTV Networks Music Group's MTV, VH1, and CMT family of services. The channel has grown to 12 million households and is available on major U.S. carriers including Comcast, Cox, Verizon FiOS, Time Warner, Dish, DIRECTV, Charter, AT&T u-Verse and Insight.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 130 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 150 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

  *all times ET/PT

  Contact:  Lori Bogin/VH1
            212-846-7131
            lori.bogin@vh1.com

Source: MTV Networks

CONTACT: Lori Bogin/VH1, +1-212-846-7131, lori.bogin@vh1.com

1-800-FLOWERS.COM(R) Joins Forces With Grammy-Winning Singer and Songwriter Robin Thicke for a Lesson in Rhythm and Romance This Valentine's

Collaboration Introduces the "Sweetest Love(TM) Bouquet" and Launch of Online Sweepstakes

CARLE PLACE, N.Y., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- This Valentine's, Grammy Award-Winning singer and songwriter Robin Thicke will join forces with the world's largest florist and gift shop, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLWS) , to give consumers a new reason to celebrate their "sweetest love." With the introduction of a floral bouquet inspired by Thicke's sultry song lyrics and the launch of The Diamonds and Flowers Sweepstakes, the sweet sounds of music merge with fresh floral blooms in an innovative collaboration designed to enhance any Valentine's celebration.

"The pairing of flowers and music is a natural one when it comes to expressing feelings of love and devotion during the Valentine's season," said Jim McCann, CEO and Founder of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. "We are thrilled to join forces with Robin Thicke and combine his talents and our expertise to help people create romantic moments and make loving gestures that will be remembered for years to come."

Considered an ambassador of love, Robin Thicke's melodic sound and emotional lyrics are the inspiration behind the "Sweetest Love(TM) Bouquet" available at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. Reflecting Thicke's musical style and personality, the arrangement combines both traditional and modern elements. Bursting with one dozen fragrant red roses and accented with hypericum, plumosa and salal, the aromatic arrangement is hand tied with an elegant red ribbon for a bold yet heartfelt statement. "When choosing a flower arrangement this Valentine's, be sure to consider the receiver's personality," says Julie Mulligan, Floral Lifestyle Expert for 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. "The Sweetest Love(TM) Bouquet, inspired by Robin Thicke, is perfect for any romantic or sophisticated Valentine."

The Diamonds and Flowers Sweepstakes, which runs through February 14th, invites consumers to visit the 1-800-FLOWERS.COM website and enter for a chance to win prizes from 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Zales, Robin Thicke, Gibson Guitar and Fannie May confections. The sweepstakes gives entrants/visitors a chance to win a Grand Prize Valentine's surprise and instant prizes, with a combined value over $20,000! Grand Prize includes a $10,000 shopping spree to Zales, one year of beautiful fresh flowers from 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, two concert tickets to award-winning multiplatinum singer Robin Thicke, including the opportunity to meet and greet Robin Thicke, a Fannie May confection gift card and a Robin Thicke autographed Gibson CJ-165 Guitar!

For additional information on The Diamonds and Flowers Sweepstakes, please visit www.1800flowers.com/Vday09

About 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is the world's leading florist and gift shop. For more than 30 years, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. has been providing customers with fresh flowers and the finest selection of plants, gift baskets, gourmet foods, confections, balloons and plush stuffed animals perfect for every occasion. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM(R) (1-800-356-9377 or www.1800flowers.com), is one of the top 50 online retailers by Internet Retailer, as well as 2008 Laureate Honoree by the Computerworld Honors Program and the recipient of ICMI's 2006 Global Call Center of the Year Award. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM offers the best of both worlds: exquisite arrangements created by some of the nation's top floral artists and hand-delivered the same day, and spectacular flowers shipped overnight from its "Fresh From Our Growers(R)" collection. As always, 100% satisfaction and freshness are guaranteed. Also, visit 1-800-Flowers en Espanol (www.1800flowersenespanol.com). The Company's BloomNet(R) international floral wire service provides (www.mybloomnet.net) a broad range of quality products and value-added services designed to help professional florists grow their businesses profitably.

The 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. "Gift Shop" also includes gourmet gifts such as popcorn and specialty treats from The Popcorn Factory(R) (1-800-541-2676 or www.thepopcornfactory.com); cookies and baked gifts from Cheryl&Co.(R) (1-800-443-8124 or www.cherylandco.com); premium chocolates and confections from Fannie May(R) confections brands (www.fanniemay.com and www.harrylondon.com); gourmet foods from Greatfood.com(R) (www.greatfood.com); wine gifts from Ambrosia(R) (www.ambrosia.com); gift baskets from 1-800-BASKETS.COM(R) (www.1800baskets.com) and DesignPac(sm) (www.designpac.com); Celebrations(R) (www.celebrations.com), a new premier online destination for fabulous party ideas and planning tips; as well as Home Decor and Children's Gifts from Plow & Hearth(R) (1-800-627-1712 or www.plowandhearth.com), Wind & Weather(R) (www.windandweather.com), HearthSong(R) (www.hearthsong.com) and Magic Cabin(R) (www.magiccabin.com). Shares in 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under ticker symbol FLWS.

About Zale Corporation

Zale Corporation is a leading specialty retailer of fine jewelry in North America, operating 2,200 retail locations throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as online. Zale Corporation's brands include Zales Jewelers, Zales Outlet, Gordon's Jewelers, Peoples Jewellers, Mappins Jewellers and Piercing Pagoda. Zale also operates online at www.zales.com and www.gordonsjewelers.com. Additional information on Zale Corporation and its brands is available at www.zalecorp.com.

About Robin Thicke

Robin Thicke's first album, A Beautiful World, released in 2003, yielded the hit song "When I Get You Alone," and paved the way for his breakthrough second release, 2006's The Evolution Of Robin Thicke. Now on the way to double platinum status, Evolution's mega hit "Lost Without U" became the #1 most played song in Urban Adult Contemporary BDS and topped four Billboard charts simultaneously: #1 R&B /Hip Hop album, #1 Hot R&B / Hip Hop song, #1 Hot R&B Hip Hop Airplay, and #1 Hot Adult R&B Airplay. TV appearances included the unprecedented distinction of two appearances on Oprah Winfrey - within two weeks.

The award-winning multiplatinum superstar returned to center stage in 2008 with Something Else, a joyful and modern tribute to the '70s soul and pop records that have inspired an extraordinary career. Debuting at #3 on The Billboard 200, Something Else is Thicke's highest charted album to date. Thicke obtained yet another top 10 hit single with "Magic" hitting #2 on the urban charts and urban AC.

About Gibson

Gibson is known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins and banjos. Gibson's digital guitar, introduced in 2002, represents the biggest advance in electric guitar design in over 70 years. Founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, MI, and headquartered in Nashville since 1984, Gibson Guitar Corp.'s family of brands now includes Epiphone, Dobro, Valley Arts, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Slingerland, Maestro, Baldwin, Hamilton, Chickering and Wurlitzer. Visit Gibson's website at www.gibson.com.

Source: 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.

CONTACT: Kristy Rivera of MWW Group for 1-800-FLOWERS.COM,
+1-212-827-3754, krivera@mww.com

Web Site: http://www.1800flowers.com/

Peaches and Herb to Perform February 11th at Blues Alley, Washington, D.C.

In a live concert production by Imagen Records and Fame Productions, Peaches and Herb will be performing on Wednesday, February 11th at Blues Alley, Washington D.C. for two shows: 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) February 2, 2009 -- Peaches and Herb, the iconic duo who has thrilled fans with legacy hits like Shake Your Groove Thing and Reunited is back. In a live concert production by Imagen Records and Fame Productions, Peaches and Herb will be performing on Wednesday, February 11th at Blues Alley, Washington D.C. for two shows: 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm.

During these 2 performances, you will get a sneak preview of new music from their upcoming CD on the Imagen Records label (www.imagenrecords.com) entitled, Colors of Love, as well as signature hits that have made Peaches and Herb a household name. "We're looking forward to performing at Blues Alley and letting people know that we're back with a new look and a new sound." said Herb Fame, leader of Peaches and Herb.

We're looking forward to performing at Blues Alley and letting people know that we're back with a new look and a new sound.
The new CD, Colors of Love is anticipated for release in April 2009, but you'll have an opportunity to hear some tracks from this new project live and in person, with the intimacy that only a venue like Blues Alley can provide. For tickets, please go to www.imagenrecords.com or www.bluesalley.com/calendar.cfm. Tickets are going fast.

Imagen Records is a premiere independent record label based in the Washington, D.C. metro area specializing in pop, rock, R&B, hip hop, and urban contemporary genres. It is owned and operated by Highway Star Productions, LLC. For more information, please go to www.imagenrecords.com.

###

CONTACT INFORMATION
Darrell Johnson
Imagen Records
202-320-6061
Email us Here
http://www.prweb.com/emailmember.php?prid=1938844

WNET.ORG Announces Next Phase of Landmark "Public Television Rocks!" Initiative

Innovative Music Series "Live from the Artists Den" Premieres Nationwide On Public Television February 2009

Performers Include Alanis Morissette, Raphael Saadiq, Ani DiFranco, The Hold Steady, Jakob Dylan and Ingrid Michaelson

February 02, 2009, NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, WNET.ORG announced that the next phase of the Public Television Rocks! initiative will be "Live from the Artists Den," an innovative new music series featuring extraordinary artists performing in extraordinary settings, premiering nationwide on public television beginning February 2009 (check local listings). Each week, the series spotlights a cutting-edge contemporary musician performing at an intimate, invitation-only concert, and includes artist interviews and insights about the unconventional venues chosen. "Live from the Artists Den" is produced by Artists Den Entertainment and WLIW21 for WNET.ORG, and is funded in part by Grey Goose Entertainment, a dedicated sponsor of the series and a strong supporter of emerging talent. The series is distributed by American Public Television.

The season kicks off with a hits-filled performance by seven-time Grammy Award-winner Alanis Morissette, recorded at Judson Memorial Church, the famous Lombardo-Romanesque structure built in 1890 located in New York City's Greenwich Village. The funky grooves and smooth balladry of soul singer, producer, and three-time 2009 Grammy nominee Raphael Saadiq (formerly of Tony! Toni! Toné!) follow with an evening filmed at Boston's magnificent Harvard Club. Filmed in high definition, 13, one-hour episodes are planned for the series' inaugural season on public television, including stellar performances from Ani DiFranco, Jakob Dylan, Aimee Mann, Patty Griffin, The Swell Season, Ben Harper and The Hold Steady.

THIRTEEN and WLIW21 launched Public Television Rocks! in June 2008 with a fundraiser –the final concert performance by The Police held August 7 at Madison Square Garden – that grossed $3.1 million to benefit the two New York public television stations. The initiative combines music programming and events to expand public television's appeal to a wider audience.

"'Live from the Artists Den' makes the Public Television Rocks! model available to public television stations across the country, which was our plan from the start. We're committed to providing intelligent, innovative, and inspiring programming to our viewers and other stations, and 'Live from the Artists Den' offers that with outstanding performances from exciting musicians in equally exciting places," said Neal Shapiro, President and CEO of WNET.ORG. "We're thrilled at the prospects and opportunities this multi-platform series provides for future events, and for attracting a younger audience to public television."

"Launching our series on public television realizes a long-anticipated dream," noted Artists Den creator and executive producer Mark Lieberman. "Great musicians deserve a great audience, and partnering with WNET.ORG expands the Artists Den platform to a broader and sophisticated viewership known for its discerning cultural palette. That's exactly who we want to reach. We are also thrilled to continue our relationship with Grey Goose Entertainment—its commitment to creativity has helped make this series possible."

Unlike other televised music series, "Live from the Artists Den" breaks away from the confines of the conventional studio set by unveiling a new, unexpected venue in every episode. Each stunning location is transformed into a concert setting for one unforgettable night. All top, live acts, the musicians often play a role in picking the stage for these memorable events, which frequently inspire new renditions of songs and special set lists. Noted music critic Alan Light (former editor-in-chief of "Vibe" and "Spin" magazines) conducts artist interviews on-site at every concert.

"I walked into this room, looked around, and thought, 'wow, this is probably the most beautiful venue I've played in on this run,'" said Raphael Saadiq of his Artists Den performance at the Harvard Club. "I like to be really close to the people, get a feel for them, so I'm at home in venues like this. This building has some history and my music has some history, so I think it's a perfect match." Exclusive videos of extended artist interviews, photos, set lists and venue histories will be available online at wnet.org/artistsden.

"Live from the Artists Den" also features iconic independent singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the oldest art museum in the United States; singer/songwriter Jakob Dylan, lead singer of platinum-selling band The Wallflowers at Desmond Tutu Cultural Center in New York City; recent indie-pop sensation Ingrid Michaelson ("The Way I Am," featured in "Grey's Anatomy") at Cape Cinema, a 1930s movie theater on Cape Cod; and classic rock-inspired indie band The Hold Steady at a former bank now designated an NYC landmark. Other featured artists include KT Tunstall, Crowded House and Josh Ritter. Edited versions of select episodes aired on Ovation TV in 2008. This February, public television gives audiences a front-row seat at these once-in-a-lifetime events with the series launch of "Live from the Artists Den."

A Public Television Rocks! Presentation, "Live from the Artists Den" is produced by Artists Den Entertainment and WLIW21 for WNET.ORG. Executives in Charge: Josh Nathan and Kent Steele. For the Artists Den: Executive Producer: Mark Lieberman. "Live from the Artists Den" is being distributed nationally by American Public Television and is funded in part by Grey Goose Entertainment.

About the Artists Den

The Artists Den has been presenting emerging and established musicians in unique settings around the world since its inception in 2004. The venture began as one music lover's vision of staging outstanding, live music in non-traditional venues. Initially a series of private living room concerts, the Artists Den expanded to include unforgettable performances across North America and Europe by some of today's most significant names in music – in some of the most interesting, off-the-beaten-path locations imaginable. "Live from The Artists Den" premieres on public television in February 2009. Recordings from concerts are released nationally as CD / DVD titles by Artists Den Records.

About WNET.ORG

New York public media company WNET.ORG is a pioneering provider of television and web content. The parent of THIRTEEN, WLIW21 and Creative News Group, WNET.ORG brings such acclaimed broadcast series and websites as Worldfocus, Nature, Great Performances, American Masters, Charlie Rose, Wide Angle, Secrets of the Dead, Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, Visions, Consuelo Mack WealthTrack, Wild Chronicles, Miffy and Friends, Cyberchase and Public Television Rocks! – publictelevisionrocks.org – to national and international audiences. Through its wide range of channels and platforms, WNET.ORG serves the entire New York City metro area with unique local productions, broadcasts and innovative educational and cultural projects. In all that it does, WNET.ORG pursues a single, overarching goal – to create media experiences of lasting significance for New York, America and the world. For more information, visit wnet.org.

About American Public Television

With more than 10,000 hours of programming in its library, American Public Television (APT) has been a prime source of programming for the nation's public television stations for 48 years, distributing more than 300 new program titles per year. Known for its leadership in identifying innovative, worthwhile and viewer-friendly programming, APT has established a tradition of providing public television stations with program choices that strengthen and customize their schedules, such as such as Rick Steves' Europe, Worldfocus, Globe Trekker, Simply Ming, Spain...on the road Again, Sara's Weeknight Meals, America's Test Kitchen From Cook's Illustrated, Doc Martin, Lidia's Family Table, Rosemary and Thyme, P. Allen Smith's Garden Home, Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, The Windsors: A Royal Dynasty , Biz Kids, In the Footsteps of Marco Polo, and other prominent documentaries, dramatic series, how-to programs, children's series and classic movies.

About Grey Goose Entertainment

Founded in April 2005, Grey Goose Entertainment is dedicated to supporting original and unique content for television, music, and film. In addition to "Live from the Artists Den," Grey Goose Entertainment funds the groundbreaking television series "Iconoclasts" where each episode features two leading innovators from different fields who come together to discuss their passions and creative processes.

Contacts

WLIW21
Natasha Padilla, 212-560-8824
padilla@wliw.org
or
The Artists Den
Alice White, 212-699-1840
alice@theartistsden.com
or
Harrison & Shriftman
Amanda Schilt, 917-351-8661
Aschilt@hs-pr.com
or
American Public Television
Jamie Haines, APR, 617-338.4455 ext. 129
Jamie_Haines@APTonline.org
Press kit: www.wliw.org/pressroom
Official series site: wnet.org/artistsden

INDIE R&B/SOUL DUO U.CITY TO RELEASE SOPHOMORE ALBUM

Philadelphia, PA, 2/01/09 (Hip Hop PR Wire) -- Philadelphia's own U.City, a singing/songwriting duo made up of Aziz and Joshua Collins, is releasing their second independent album titled "The Fall" on February 3, 2009. The group will host an album release party on February 26, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. upstairs at World Café Live located at 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA. The event will start with a performance featuring special guests and end with a DJ set by one of the area's finest. A week prior, on February 18 at 8:00 p.m., the duo will grace an NYC stage when they perform at SOB's located at 204 Varick St., New York, NY. That evening, U.City will be featured in the soul artists showcase Sol Village, hosted by Eric Roberson. The release of "The Fall" comes four years after the debut of the U.City's first album "Reservations," released when the group was known as United Soul. "Reservations" received national and international acclaim while one track, "Best of Me," earned the group the Heineken Music Initiative/ASCAP Foundation R&B Grant.

U.City has taken a different approach with this album. The soulful ballads that made up most of "Reservations" and featured the likes of Soul and Hip Hop artists Yahzarah and Phonte of Little Brother have been replaced by tracks with a more edgier and uptempo feel. The album still offers something for everyone. From the accapella track "Skin" to the rock-infused "Electric Lady," The Fall comprises a variety of material with mass appeal.

While working on their new project, U.City also spent time writing for other artists including Philadelphia's favorite husband and wife duo Kindred the Family Soul, who perform the U.City penned track "Hey" on their latest album "The Arrival."

With the release of "The Fall," U.City will continue offering devoted fans and first-time listeners something they can truly enjoy and appreciate.

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CONTACT:
Amenan Kouadio
amenan83@gmail.com
301.379.3310

D2 Music Management Speaks Out On "Sticky Face" Record Being Perpetrated As Trey Songz

2/01/09 (Hip Hop PR Wire) -- A song titled "Sticky Face" is being passed along online as a Trey Songz single of Which Trey And His Team Has No Affiliation With.

It has been brought to the attention of Trey Songz and D2 Music Management, that there is a record going around on the internet using Trey's name for unknown purposes. The record can be heard on Youtube, Limewire, Zshare along with many ezines and blogsites. The "Sticky Face" record is not associated with Trey Songz or his camp. On behalf of management we ask that all websites and/or blogs to please remove Treys name off of the record in anyway. The original source of the record is unknown at this time. Trey is currently in the studio recording his third studio album and is appreciative of all the support he receives from his fans. To keep up with Trey Songz and all he's doing please check him out on MySpace at www.myspace.com/treysongz or check out his personal website: www.treysongz.com.

ABOUT TREY SONGZ: In 2005, a young man with a voice far beyond his years stepped onto the scene before the world was equipped for one of his kind. With the release of "Trey Day" his sophomore release on Atlantic Records last fall, it is clear that Trey Songz is here for the long run. After much success for the single, "Can't Help But Wait," Trey received his first BET Award nomination in 2008. Just recently Trey Songz was featured in the GAP Merry Mix It Commercial for the 2008 Holiday Campaign and also received his first Grammy nomination. For more information on Trey Songz visit his website at www.treysongz.com or www.myspace.com/treysongz

Press Contact:   
Nicole Pierce
cnicolepr@gmail.com

Trey Songz & RebStar Receive 1.3 Million Views For "Without You" Video on Worldstarhiphop.com

2/01/09 (Hip Hop PR Wire) -- Trey Songz proves himself to be an international hit as he teams up with Sweden Hip Hop Artist and receives 1.3 million views on Worldstarhiphop.com in less than a day.

It's very evident that Trey Songz is leading the R&B game with hot hip-hop collabos in the U.S., but with the help of Sweden rapper, Rebstar, Trey has taken his game to another level. The "Without You" video premiered on Worldstarhiphop.com and was at 1.3 million views before days end. After successful international collabos in the past with Maria Jose for "Quien Eres Tu" and Japanese singing sensation, Ai for "Beautiful" it became clear that Trey is well respected across the globe. He is currently in the process of completing his third studio album while pumping out hot features and freestyles over some of the industry's hottest tracks.

Check out the "Without You" video at: http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhXPwl0TAt14G7429q

ABOUT TREY SONGZ: In 2005, a young man with a voice far beyond his years stepped onto the scene before the world was equipped for one of his kind. With the release of "Trey Day" his sophomore release on Atlantic Records last fall, it is clear that Trey Songz is here for the long run. After much success for the single, "Can't Help But Wait," Trey received his first BET Award nomination in 2008. Just recently Trey Songz was featured in the GAP Merry Mix It Commercial for the 2008 Holiday Campaign and also received his first Grammy nomination. For more information on Trey Songz visit his website at www.treysongz.com or www.myspace.com/treysongz

Press Contact:   
Nicole Pierce
cnicolepr@gmail.com

The Core DJ's 5th Year Anniversary and the Core DJ's Retreat X

April 24th – 27th, 2009
Atlanta, GA
www.coredjs.com

Miami, FL, 2/01/09 (Hip Hop PR Wire) -- THE CORE DJ'S proudly announce the 5th year Anniversary and Celebration of the Core DJ Retreat, April 24th -27th, 2009 at the W Hotel – Downtown, 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA. The Core DJ Retreat X will unite many of today's hit breaking DJ's, ground breaking artist, music industry professionals, and innovators for a weekend of networking, performances, new music and celebrations honoring those who bring music to the masses.

The Core DJ Retreat is a semi-annual reunion for all DJs by inviting them to join together, no matter what crew/DJ affiliations they have, to network while attending listening sessions, panels and seminars detailing new industry trends. New artists performances presented by many of today's leading labels including Tag Records, Atlantic Records, Def Jam, Warner Brothers, Konvit Muzic, Interscope, J Records, Jive Records, So So Def, Rap-A-Lot Records, Bad Boy Entertainment, Capitol Records, DTP, Grand Hustle, CTE, and others allow for DJ's and industry professionals to hear and mingle with today's hottest acts and icons from Hip Hop, Rap and R&B.

The Core Retreats are one of the highlights of the urban music industry since 2004. The retreat is for all DJ's, artists, labels, music industry entrepreneurs, industry professionals and producers who want to network and break new records!

Badges: $ 200.00 before April 15, 2009
$ 300.00 After April 15, 2009/walk up
DJ's – Free with proper credentials.

Rooms: $115.00 per night prior to April 10, 2009 - based on Starwood reservation regulations. W Hotel Downtown: 404-582-5800 Group: CoreDJRetreat

Sponsorship and performance packages are available.

For more information regarding registration or sponsorship for The Core DJs and The Core DJs Retreat X, contact Donata Davis by emailing. donata.coredjs@gmail.com or call 877.333.9940 ext 2. For press credentials please contact Janie Jennings by emailing pandemosinc@gmail.com or call 877.333.9940 ext 3.

Defeat Diabetes Foundation Announces R & B Singer Howard Hewett as National Spokesperson

Hewett Will Work on Awareness and Fundraising Activities

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Defeat Diabetes Foundation (DDF) has announced that Howard Hewett, R & B Artist, former lead singer of the group Shalamar, has signed on to work with DDF to help create awareness about the diabetes epidemic in the U.S.

"We are extremely honored that someone of Howard's talent and celebrity has committed his time and energy to helping further our work of creating awareness about and preventing diabetes," said Andrew P. Mandell - Mr. Diabetes(R), Executive Director of Defeat Diabetes Foundation.

"We're already working on events with him in Los Angeles for this summer and Tampa, Florida for next fall. We've just completed our epic 8 year outreach effort with the Wake Up and Walk(R) Tour, a 10,000 mile walk of the perimeter of U.S. to raise diabetes awareness, so having Howard's involvement in future activities is exciting and validates the work we've already done. His tremendous popularity will allow us to reach communities in need. I think Rolling Stone said it best, 'Howard Hewett is the premier vocalist in the Post-Marvin Gaye era of romantic pop. It is no wonder he's responsible for selling some ten million records; his voice is irresistible'," Mandell concluded.

Speaking candidly on his way to a performance, Hewett said, "My mother died from complications related to her own battle with diabetes. I think that it's important that no other families have to experience that kind of pain and loss." Hewett continued, "I'm particularly excited to work with this 'grass roots' organization because it focuses on helping people identify when they are at risk for getting diabetes and providing some practical ways to prevent it. I also know, with Defeat Diabetes Foundation, that my efforts will make a difference," he concluded.

Defeat Diabetes Foundation

Defeat Diabetes Foundation (DDF), is a 501(C)(3) non-profit. The Mission is the prevention, early identification and effective self management of diabetes. DDF has programs in all 50 states and provides medical supplies to developing nations. We offer critical information and education programs with a focus on Type 2 diabetes, nutrition and physical fitness. For More information visit www.DefeatDiabetes.org, or www.myspace.com/howardhewett

Source: Defeat Diabetes Foundation

CONTACT: Dawn Swidorski of Defeat Diabetes Foundation, +1-415-671-2991,
dswdrsk@pacbell.net; or Fran Marseille of Marseille & Company Management,
+1-818-627-5341, fmarseille@yahoo.com, for Defeat Diabetes Foundation

Web Site: http://www.defeatdiabetes.org/

Pleasure P Gets Ready for His "Introduction"; The New Bad-Boy of R&B Heralds Solo Debut With Hot New Single, "Boyfriend #2"

Video World Premiered on MySpace January 27th, "The Introduction of Marcus Cooper" Drops Everywhere in May

Jan 30, NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - January 30, 2009) - Bluestar/Atlantic recording artist Pleasure P has announced early details of his hugely anticipated debut album, titled "THE INTRODUCTION OF MARCUS COOPER." The collection -- which features the hit singles, "Boyfriend #2" and "Did You Wrong" -- will arrive in stores and at all digital retailers May 5th.

"Boyfriend #2" recently impacted at Urban and Rhythmic radio outlets nationwide. The single is shaping up as a major online sensation, having already drawn nearly 2.5 million streams on Pleasure P's official MySpace page, located at www.myspace.com/pleasurepmyspace. The track's companion video clip world premiered on MySpace Tuesday, January 27th.

The early success of "Boyfriend #2" follows Pleasure P's smash debut single, "Did You Wrong," which lit up the Rhythmic charts last fall. The track's accompanying video -- currently streaming at Pleasure P's official website, www.pleasurepmusic.com -- proved a blockbuster introduction for the Miami-based singer, reaching the top 5 on BET's "106 & Park" countdown.

What's more, Pleasure P -- a.k.a. "The New Bad-Boy of R&B" -- is featured on a new hip-hop hit, "Shone," Poe Boy/Atlantic recording artist Flo Rida's urban single from his eagerly awaited sophomore album, "ROUTES OF OVERCOMING THE STRUGGLE."

Pleasure P -- who can be seen in the January/February issue of XXL -- first attracted international attention as a member of Bluestar/Atlantic recording group Pretty Ricky. With "THE INTRODUCTION OF MARCUS COOPER," the gifted singer/songwriter embarks on what is likely to be a stunning solo career. Full details -- including a complete tracklisting and updated single/video information -- will be revealed shortly.

PUBLICITY CONTACTS:
Sydney Margetson
212-707-2262
Sydney.margetson@atlanticrecords.com

Catharine McNelly
212-707-3069
Catharine.mcnelly@atlanticrecords.com

The World's Most Successful CD Compilation Series 'NOW That's What I Call Music!' Joins Forces With 'American Idol' Creator Simon Fuller to Create Global Music Show

Announcement Comes On 10th Anniversary of NOW That's What I Call Music!

NEW YORK, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's best-selling CD compilation series, NOW That's What I Call Music!, is to partner with Simon Fuller - founder of 19 Entertainment, and creator of "American Idol" - to bring the NOW brand to television and the internet.

The announcement comes as NOW celebrates a decade of hits in the United States with a 10th anniversary CD, and coincides with NOW UK's 25th birthday. The NOW series has been called the "most successful brand in music" and has sold over 72 million CDs in the US alone. A worldwide phenomenon, NOW has topped the charts all over the world and is available in territories as diverse as South Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

"Mr. Fuller is negotiating on behalf of the 19 Entertainment/NOW partnership, beginning with a US network television show," says Bob Mercer, Chief Executive of NOW.

Although details of the show's content are still under wraps, Mr. Mercer says it will be an interactive program using both TV and the internet.

He says NOW is excited to partner with Simon Fuller to bring to life one of the world's best known music brands of all time.

"Simon believes as I do that NOW is a perfect window to what is current and happening in the music world today. Adding his un-matched TV expertise will make this a unique program," says Mercer.

"I am excited by the prospect of this partnership with NOW because I think we have the opportunity to create an important and innovative new music show," says Simon Fuller. "Music reaches out across boundaries and cultural borders; a global music show can take a song to any part of the planet, and the first performance of new songs and videos will become real events, just like they used to be."

In addition to featuring the current hits on each show, there will be a segment in which new music is highlighted - something which could lead to fans discovering the next NOW stars before they have hit songs.

The NOW That's What I Call Music! series is a compilation joint venture from EMI Music, Sony Music Entertainment, and Universal Music Group. The series debuted in the United States in 1998 after the NOW brand had been an enormous, multi-platinum international success for nearly 20 years.

To date, the NOW series has generated worldwide sales of over 200 million CDs. NOW's collective releases sell more than any other music property each year, and remain the only non-soundtrack, multi-artist series to reach #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart.

NOW and NOW That's What I Call Music! are registered trademarks of EMI (IP) Limited.

Source: NOW That's What I Call Music!

CONTACT: Rob Goldstone of Oui 2 Public Relations, +1-212-541-5698,
rob@oui2.com, for NOW That's What I Call Music!; or Eric Green of BWR Public
Relations, +1-310-550-7776, for 19 Entertainment

Hpnotiq Liqueur Offers Free DJ Training for Women!

In this tough job market - Hpnotiq offers a backup plan!

Hpnotiq Liqueur and Scratch DJ Academy Present: NIGHT SCHOOL FOR GIRLS DJ Class is now in Session!

  WHAT:       Tonight at 10 p.m. Hpnotiq Liqueur kicks off the inaugural
              session of NIGHT SCHOOL FOR GIRLS a series of national
              nightclub events where women can actually learn the skills of
              a professional club DJ. Hpnotiq has teamed with Scratch DJ
              Academy to hold massive seminars on the biggest dance floors
              in America. DJ classes will be instructed by 10 of the best in
              the business and accommodate 300 students - all hosted by a
              celebrity guest. Tonight, school is in session - leave the
              milk & PB&J at home. Hpnotiq cocktails will be served in
              class!

  WHO:        Honorary head professor for tonight's session is rising star,
              Solange Knowles - accomplished actress, singer-songwriter,
              model, and younger sister to Beyonce. Solange will get down
              with the students and be available for pictures and
              interviews.  Solange will be joined by Celebrity DJs Omi and
              Boneshaker, as well as late night performance by Nina Sky.

  WHEN:       Classes are in session tonight Thursday, January 29th from
              10 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Glo Nightclub in Westbury, New York.

  WHERE:      Glo Nightclub
              737 Merrick Ave.
              Westbury, NY 11590

  Broadcast and Print media RSVP to: Zev@gettherepr.com 212-604-9988

B-ROLL OPPORTUNITIES FEATURE 300 WOMEN LEARNING HOW TO DJ AND EXCLUSIVE VIDEO WITH SOLANGE KNOWLES

Information for Glo Nightclub can be found online at glonightclubli.com and nightliferoyalty.com.

/PRNewswire -- Jan. 29/

Source: Hpnotiq Liqueur

Web Site: http://www.glonightclubli.com/