Grand Opening: New York and Company Opens its Largest Store in the Chicago Area

New York and Company’s new store made one week old on State Street in downtown Chicago. Boasting stylish pieces from some of the most well-known celebrities to date. Set in the historical Palmer House of old-world elegance, New York and Company sets precedence with a two-story renovated space continuing the tradition of upscale sophisticated looks that transcend time where Carson Pirie Scott left off for the everyday business woman.

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International Singer and Songwriter Kenya claims #1 spot on UK Soul Chart

Kenya has found a place in the hearts of UK listeners. Her single MakeUSmile, featuring Brandon McKenzie and remixed by Tom Glide, has steadily made its ascension to claim the #1 spot on the UK Soul Chart Top 30 (May 22). Kenya releases music that speaks to the listeners’ being and uplifts.

What sets Kenya apart from other artists is her work ethic. After wrapping up her show at St. James Live in Atlanta (May 13), Kenya continued to reach out to her loyal supporters via her 2016 Social Media Tour: Creating Crimson Conversations. Last Thursday, Kenya’s Twitter Party Finale was a success. Now, she is preparing for The 10 Indie Artist Commandments on Periscope.

While not on the road, Kenya imparts her expertise and experiences through her consulting business, Creating Crimson. As an Independent Artist, Kenya is very serious about education and knowing how to navigate the music industry. On her 2016 Social Media Tour: Creating Crimson Conversations, Kenya with her special Co-Hosts, Lil’ John Roberts, Gwendolyn Collins, William Kurk, LSH Books, Shana Tucker, Kendall Duffie (Kloud 9), Jamal Smallz and DeborahBond, gave their expert advice to those who sought to know more about creating a successful music career. In a fast pace world of constant changes in technology and music, it is most important to stay abreast of what is going on and be willing to invest in yourself as an artist.

Learn more about Kenya and Creating Crimson via their perspective websites. Follow Kenya on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Download Kenya’s new album My Own Skin on iTunes and other digital outlets. For more information on Kenya’s upcoming European Tour visit her website.

 

 

Billie Holiday: Chicago Jazz Festival to commemorate 100 years

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) along with the Jazz Institute of Chicago recently released the four day Jazz Fest line up, which includes a tribute to the great Billie Holiday, affectionately “Lady Day.” Celebrating 100 years of the birth of a vocal virtuoso, April 7, 1915 Eleanora Fagan made her debut into the world. Chicago prepares to honor Ms. Holiday, recognize other legends and showcase upcoming artists. Labor Day weekend Jazz music will fill downtown’s Millennium Park with thousand of enthusiasts.

The life of such of a revered presence ended abruptly at the age of 44. Despite her tumultuous battle with substance abuse and domestic abuse, Billie Holiday left crowds swooning and entranced with her vocals. Billie worked with some of the most influential musicians and singers in the business. Traveling the country with the Count Basie Band, performing with her mentor Louis Armstrong, writing, arranging and acting in films. Her life of musical triumphs lives on in her songs Strange Fruit, Summertime, God Bless the Child, and others.

Jazz heads from around the country will enjoy the reflective renditions of NPR radio host Dee Dee Bridgewater with newcomer Jose James paying homage to the late legend Billie Holiday. Among the Jazz Fest line up, the Muhal Richard Abrams Experimental Band will reunite giving honor and celebrating the 50 year anniversary of the Association of the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). The Chicago Jazz Orchestra will pay homage to the legacy of William Thomas “Billy” Strayhorn with fresh rearrangements of his repertoire. For more information visit DCASE’s website for the complete line up.

[Original article on AXS.com by Latrea Morrow]

[photo courtesy of the Chicago Jazz Festival; used with permission]
[photo courtesy of the Chicago Jazz Festival; used with permission]

Dana Divine: Her gift, her Lord and her desire to remain true to herself

On top of her game, Dana Divine was the Gospel House Music Diva in the early 2000s. Her hot dance track “Gospel Slide” hit the airwaves and Dana was the “it girl” for getting crowds out of their seats in Jesus’ name. As in anything, there were critics and naysayers, however she stayed true to who she was musically. In a recent interview, Dana Divine talked about her music and being a cancer survivor.

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Bon Voyage to Kendrick Gibson: Taking Chicago fashion expertise to L.A.

Kendrick Gibson has been the go-to guy to get things done on the Chicago fashion scene. Charisma and style is Kendrick. Vetavia’s Cajun Cafe, Saturday, Nov. 1, was the venue for the send off bash.

Festivities were poppin’ as guests arrived to a standing room only crowd. Attendees feasting on Vetavia’s Jamaican cuisine, bumpin’ DJ sounds and great entertainment from local artists. The Guest of Honor taking glam shots with friends, family and fashion colleagues.

The backdrop to the love shown is the love Kendrick has consistently given out. Working with Chicago fashion designers and stylists coordinating fashion shows (African Fashion Week, Chicago Fashion Week, etc.) and national celebrities such as Dr. Drai’s “Medical T” Tour. Kendrick has a keen eye for what works, a personality that shines and a get-it-done attitude. This is why he has been the person fashion gods call on.

L.A. has gained a gem and wealth of knowledge with Kendrick joining the capital of entertainment. Take note, Kendrick Gibson’s star is in orbit to the stratosphere of Hollywood Boulevard and beyond. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram to find out his latest happenings. Book Kendrick to execute your next event’s vision and/or to give your image that KG oomph.

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Congressman Danny K. Davis addresses the concerns of the community

In the wake of the 2014 Illinois Gubernatorial election, many are concerned with issues that effect their everyday lives. In particular, African Americans want to know what position politicians take on violence, police brutality, healthcare, etc. and their actions toward resolutions. Congressman Danny K. Davis candidly expresses his views on those concerns in an interview Monday, Oct. 27.

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Aniba Hotep & The Sol Collective steps on the pulse of Soul Music with new album ‘Sol Genetics’

Chicago has always been known for great music. Many artists have come from obscurity into the limelight on the underground music scene. Dave Hollister, R. Kelly, Carl Thomas, Common and Jennifer Hudson, to name some, have their musical roots in Chicago and Aniba Hotep & The Sol Collective are among them.

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