‘DRUMLINE LIVE’ marches into Vegas
January 4, 2013 by Las Vegas Black Image Magazine
Filed under Arts & Entertainment

“Drumline Live,” a stage production that celebrates marching band culture on the campuses of historically black colleges and universities, will thrill audiences at the Smith Center on Jan. 18 and 19.
SKYE-HIGH Entertainment Report: Kissing the New Year Hello
January 4, 2013 by Las Vegas Black Image Magazine
Filed under Arts & Entertainment

After walking through a winter wonderland of charity events and holiday parties, my 5-inch, blinged-out stilettos are now a lifeless pair of ballerina slippers. I am a glistened- and tinseled-out child. Time for a recharge. Where is that pink bunny when you need her? Energize!
SKYE-HIGH Entertainment Report: For The Holiday Season, Vegas Takes ‘Soul’ Ownership
November 30, 2012 by Las Vegas Black Image Magazine
Filed under Arts & Entertainment

I am pleased to send a “choo-choo” shout out, with some sophisticated funk, to the Soul Train Music Awards that recently rolled into Sin City for the first time ever! The awards ceremony was a champagne-and-grits affair, a little bling-bling with your cornbread. The night’s host was Cedric the Entertainer, featuring performances by musical masters John Legend, Fantasia, Charlie Wilson and Stevie Wonder.
Mary J. Blige at the Palms Sept 7, 2012 (Photos By Denise Truscello/Wire Image)
September 10, 2012 by Las Vegas Black Image Magazine
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Photos

Mary J. Blige performs at the Palms Sept 7, 2012. D’Angelo opens the show. (Photos By Denise Truscello/Wire Image)
Q: Was It worth it? A: War is War. Playwright reflects on ‘The Willow Building’
August 6, 2012 by Las Vegas Black Image Magazine
Filed under Arts & Entertainment

I have been writing ever since I was young boy growing up in Chicago. As a young man, I wrote a play called “The Willow Building,” adapted from my real-life conversations with veterans who lived in an actual Chicago building after their military service was complete. I was captivated by the wartime experiences of these men, who spoke so freely while coping with post-war trauma.
Purple Reigns in the Community
August 6, 2012 by Las Vegas Black Image Magazine
Filed under Arts & Entertainment

A steady buzz is building among theater lovers, as the West Las Vegas Library Theatre prepares for a staging of the smash Broadway musical “The Color Purple,” August 23-26.
A taste of Sweet Honey in the Rock
July 2, 2012 by Las Vegas Black Image Magazine
Filed under Arts & Entertainment

Sweet Honey in the Rock — the acclaimed all-female a cappella group that incorporates traditional gospel, blues, reggae, African chants, hip-hop and jazz improvisation into its unique sound — dazzled fans with it’s recent performance at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.
Opportunities for youth as NBCFAE lands in Las Vegas
July 2, 2012 by Las Vegas Black Image Magazine
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Cover Story, Feature

This year, the event comes with a twist aimed at exposing young African-Americans to the career opportunities that await them in the air. On July 30, the organization will also host the all-day Ace Academy Youth Camp.
Entertainer gives exclusive on music, acting and fatherhood
June 1, 2012 by Las Vegas Black Image Magazine
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Cover Story, Feature

Las Vegas is known globally as the entertainment capital of the world, with lights so bright they can be seen from outer space. One of the brightest of those lights is the superstar R&B singer and actor Ne-Yo, a homegrown talent who proudly credits his Las Vegas upbringing with his status as one of today’s most sought-after artists. Fresh off his well-reviewed role in the historical drama “Red Tails,” and with a new album due out soon, he sat down with with Las Vegas Black Image Magazine to open up about the realities of the entertainment business, growing up in Las Vegas and the joys of fatherhood.
At Green Valley High School, a golden ‘Nugget’ of excellence
June 1, 2012 by Las Vegas Black Image Magazine
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Cover Story, Feature

I am pleased to serve as this month’s guest student journalist, given the honor of writing about someone at my school who has earned a lot of respect and admiration. His name is Durrell “Nugget” McDonald, who many students look upon as a great guy. He excels as our school’s track and field star, varsity basketball player and honor student. In all things, McDonald is defying the odds and reaching only for excellence.