By Gwen DeRu

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH!

“WISHING YOU THE BEST OF EVERYTHING!”

February has many things going… It’s the Month of Love!
THIS IS FOR THE LOVER IN YOU!

FIRST… Here are some other things going on around the state for Black History, Valentines’s Day and more.

(Photo Credit: vegas.com )
Don’t Miss… GEORGE WALLACE AND FRIENDS, Live in Concert ONE NIGHT STAND, 8 p.m. at the BJCC Concert Hall.  Get your laugh on with a FREE rose for the ladies.  See SIR WALT, EUNICE ELLIOTT AND RORY AND THE RIFF RAFFS

REMEMBERING BOOKER T. WASHINGTON – Join others in Montgomery, at Alabama State University, today and Friday for the Southern Conference on African-American Studies at ASU with great speakers on both days! The Theme of the conference is “Remembering Booker T. Washington” and speaking on Thursday is Charles Jones, Professor of Africana Studies, University of Cincinnati, Brian Johnson, President of Tuskegee University and Friday’s keynote is Attorney Cleo Thomas, former vice president of Booker T. Washington Life Insurance Company and who served as the first African-American Board of Trustees member at the University of Alabama and its first African-American SGA president.  The organization aims to bring together all minds, regardless of color or creed, that are interested in interpreting and preserving African-American history and culture especially that which originated in and/or affected the South.  Call (334) 229-4368 for more.

 CARL CROSBY OF BBVA COMPASS UNCF 2015 CHAIRMAN – Crosby was recently named chairman of the office’s 2015 UNCF’s Masked Ball, the organization’s largest fundraising project for 2015.  As ball chairman, Crosby will help in identifying giving partners and participants for the nonprofit’s scholarship cause and ball. The ball will be held on Saturday, March 14, at 6 p.m. at the Birmingham Sheraton Ballroom in downtown Birmingham.  Crosby joined the bank in 1983 as a member of its management training program and has served in numerous senior leadership positions during his 31-year career there.  The Masked Ball reception will start at 6 p.m. and dinner will start at 7 p.m. The name of a national recording artist scheduled to perform at the ball will be announced later this month.

(Photo Credit:  Sacks & Co. Nashville)
ANDREW COMBS COMES TO BIRMINGHAM – Combs will be touring this winter with a stop in Birmingham at Bottletree on February 20.  His new album ‘ALL THESE DREAMS’ will be released on March 3. The official music video for Andrew Combs’ new song “Nothing to Lose” premiered recently at NPR Music and can now be viewed/embedded via YouTube.   “Nothing to Lose” is from Combs’ forthcoming album All These Dreams.  In celebration of the release, Combs is currently in the midst of a European tour with Justin Townes Earle and, in February, will embark on a series of U.S. shows with The Apache Relay followed by a performance at the 2015 Stagecoach Festival in Indio, Calif. He has toured Germany, Netherlands, U.K. Kentucky and Ohio this week with a stop in Birmingham before heading to Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, California, and Oklahoma.
REGIONS FIELD HOSTS BARONSFEST – The Birmingham Barons are set to host their third annual Baronsfest on Saturday, February 21 at Regions Field. The event is open to the public and lasts from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and features a variety of interactive events for fans of all ages.  Fans will have the opportunity to take all-access tours of Regions Field, giving them unprecedented access to areas normally closed during game days – including the Barons clubhouse, press box and club lounge. Younger fans can play in the Bright House Networks Family Fun Park and interact with mascots Babe Ruff, Lillie Mays, The Chef, Homer the Hot Dog and The Taco from the All-South Appliance Fast Food Race. Fans will also have the opportunity to view available seating for 2015 ticket packages.  A youth baseball clinic, administered by the UAB baseball team, begins at 9:15 a.m. and runs until 10:15 a.m. The clinic is open to the first 150 children ages 5-9 and will include instruction from UAB Head Coach Brian Shoop his 2015 Blazers squad.  In addition, everyone is invited to stay for UAB’s game against Savannah State immediately following Baronsfest at 1 p.m. free of charge.  White Sox prospect and 2014 Baron Tim Anderson is set to attend and is available to sign autographs from 11 a.m. – noon.  Complimentary Golden Flake and Bud’s Best snacks and Coca-Cola beverages will be available throughout the event.  Birmingham opens the 2015 season Thursday, April 9 as Regions Field hosts the Mobile BayBears at 7:05 p.m.

(Photo Credit: Blackfilm.com)
THE STARS ARE COMING – HILL HARPER, MUSIQ SOULCHILD and TONYA H. WARE will be in Birmingham on March 8, 5:30 p.m. for the LIFE IS YOUR SONG PREMIERE.  THERE IS A RED CARPET & VIP MEET AND GREET at 3:30 p.m. with doors open for the public at 4:30 p.m. followed by the Premiere.
Author Tonya H. Ware’s powerful book, LIFE IS YOUR SONG – DISCOVER YOUR VOICE is a story everyone struggling with reclaiming their life must read.  Tonya shares how to reset your inner compass, understand who you really are and how to find your place in this world.  People everywhere are standing at the threshold of decision, asking this question – What is the answer for MY life?  Having experienced a life-changing event where she actually died, and was miraculously revived, Tonya transitioned from a corporate million dollar producer who recorded her debut album Tonya Ware – The Voice, to life as a virtual shut in – spending more than six years trying to reclaim her health and her life.
BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE … in February….
BCRI BLACK HISTORY MONTH FILM FESTIVAL  – The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute will host a film weekly throughout the month of February in the Richard Arrington, Jr. Resources Gallery from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.  The remaining films are: FREEDOM SUMMER, February 18 – BLACK MAGIC, and February 25 – STAND.  The films are free with admission to the BCRI.

FOR THE NASCAR LOVERS …..AND MOTORSPORTS FANS….    CHECK OUT THE DAYTONA 500… NEXT WEEKEND.    Starting the engines and racing for the gold starts the 2015 season at Daytona.  Don’t miss it on TV with family and friends. Then don’t forget to head to Talladega Superspeedway the first weekend in May – May 1-3, 2015.

FOR LOVERS OF MUSIC, ANIMALS, FOOD AND MORE…
HERE ARE A FEW THINGS GOING ON…

THE HUNG TRIO at the Alys Stephens Center…. TODAY
FOR LOVERS….
WOO AT THE ZOO – The Birmingham Zoo invites guests ages 21 and up to its second annual Valentine’s Day event (February 14), “Woo at the Zoo,” Saturday,6-8 p.m. The event will feature light hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine, beer, giveaways and exclusive animal greetings upon arrival in the auditorium. Woo at the Zoo is designed for those seeking an enriching and unique experience on Valentine’s Day, setting this day apart from other Valentine’s Day formalities.
FEBRUARY AT THE BOTANICAL GARDENS – For the Love of Chocolate – Few foods inspire such passion in humanity as chocolate. Learn about the plants that make it possible as well as its fascinating history of ritual, medicine and passion reaching back through the last 4,000 years into exotic lands and ancient cultures. Grab your spoon as you learn the process of creating flavorful hot cocoa stirrers, piping and how to dip your favorite treats. Then, take your handmade treats home in a Valentine box perfect for sharing on Valentine’s Day! February 14. 10 – noon
Herbs: From the Ground to the Medicine Cabinet Part I – Part one will introduce 20 southern herbs. Discussion will focus on traditional uses for promoting relief of common ailments such as: colds, coughs, flu, stress, insomnia, and seasonal allergies. Class time will be spent on plant identification, herbal properties, growth habits, and seasonal times for harvesting medicine. Herbal highlights include: Cayenne, Elder, Goldenrod, Hydrangea, Passionflower, Peach, Solomon’s Seal, Yarrow, and Yellow Root. Students will leave this class with informative handouts and recipes. February 14. 2 – 4 p.m.
For more information and to register online, visit www.bbgardens.org/classes.
CUPCAKES AND CONVERSATIONS – A LOVE JONES EXPERIENCE, today, at Legends Sports Lounge with Pictures With Words by Peter Hall.
VALENTINE’S BASH (in Tuscaloosa) – Live performances by JEFF FLOYD & TRE WILLIAMS, Friday, 8 p.m. at Archibald and Woodrow, 5600 McFarland Blvd, East Tuscaloosa, Ala.
VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY – A Salute to the Single Life at the Legends Sports Lounge downtown Birmingham on the corner of Third Avenue and 18th Street this Saturday, 2 p.m.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT THE LIBRARY –
TODAY, at the Smithfield Library at the 10 a.m., Birmingham foot soldiers Gwendolyn Sanders-Gamble and Janice Kelsey will present a copy of a New York Fire Department 1963 resolution that’s been lost for more than 50 years. New York sent the resolution to Birmingham in 1963 to speak out against fire hoses being sprayed on peaceful civil rights demonstrators in Kelly Ingram Park. However, Birmingham citizens were never told about the resolution. When the NYC Fire Department discovered in 2013 that Birmingham citizens never knew about the resolution, the fire department presented another resolution to Sanders-Gamble and Kelsey in 2014. The two women will present a copy of the resolution to the Smithfield Library during a ceremony today. The Birmingham Fire Department and other officials are slated to attend.
Race relations and Birmingham native Tanner Colby’s book “Some of My Best Friends Are Black: The Strange Story of Integration in America’’ will be discussed at three Birmingham libraries as part of Magic City Crossings, a citywide dialogue project led by REV Birmingham’s Community Affairs Committee, the Bethesda Life Center and Joyce Vance, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. Library talks will take place at Five Points West Library, 4812 Ave. West, on Monday, Feb. 23, 3:30-6 p.m.; the downtown Birmingham location, 2100 Park Place, on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; and East Ensley Library, 900 14th St., Ensley, on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 3:30-6 p.m.

FOR MUSIC LOVERS…AND DANCE…
HERE ARE A FEW THINGS GOING ON…
THIS WEEKEND… TODAY…
**ASHLEY AND KEEPERS at Ona’s Music Room.
**JEZEBEL DOGS at The Nick
FRIDAY…
**FESTIVAL EXPRESSIONS at Ona’s Music Room.
**SKEPTIC?, HUDSON FALCONS, THE AGGRAVATED, BIG JESUS, DRESSED FOR THE OCCASION at The Nick on southside.
SATURDAY…
**VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION WITH ONA WATSON AND CHAMPAGNE at Ona’s Music Room.
**TIDE AND TIGER LOUNGE, 8 p.m. on Graymont Avenue across the street from Legion Field.  Open Tuesday through Sunday.
**BOYFRNDZ, CADDYWHWOMPUS and BELIAL at The Nick.
SUNDAY…VALENTINE’S EDITION SKATE NIGHT FOR THE ADULTS at the Funtime Skate Center, in Fultondale, 7 p.m. – 12 midnight.
**HAPPY LEMMY at The Nick.

THERE IS THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER….IN THE ‘HAM… AT THE STARDOME AND IN DA HOOD AT TIDE AND TIGER LOUNGE…LAUGHTER FOR THE NEW YEAR…

(Photo Credit: birmingham365.com)
**AT THE STARDOME…,CASIO KID – MATT MITCHELL,TODAY… and, OPEN MIC NIGHT FRIDAY!  Matt Mitchell describes himself as “a pure southern mash boogie comedian from Alabama with bare feet, mush-mouthed drawling and a mile-wide social streak.” He doesn’t know what that means, but he saw it on a Lynyrd Skynyrd bio and thought it sounded cool.  Matt got his start as the “Casio Kid” on the nationally syndicated Rick and Bubba radio show. After his hit reality tv show, “THE FATCHELOR” rocked the airwaves of the Turner South channel he put his radio career on hold and moved to Hollywood.  After entertaining the nation as an on-air correspondent for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, he continued this rapid rise from small town class clown to nationwide fame. After many appearances in music videos, game shows and commercials on MTV, FOX and more…he started hitting the road as a stand-up comic.

(Photo Credit: Comedians and speakers.com)
DON’T MISS… FINIS HENDERSON.   this weekend… What is in a name that makes you unique? What is in a voice that makes an audience beg for more? What is in a performance that tops the most seasoned entertainer? Simply, the Finis. Finis Henderson that is! A show filled with hilarious antics, romantic ballads, high energy and versatility at its best. COMING SOON…,SHERYL UNDERWOOD – February 20-21, MIRANDA SINGS – February 7-8   (Tell Bruce that Gwen sent you.)  Enjoy some good laughter and fun times while you eat some great food with your friends. For more, call (205) 444-0008.
**MORE LAUGHTER…COMEDY IN DA HOOD at the New Tide and Tiger on Graymont Avenue. Comedians are invited!  Call (205) 503-3880 for more.
Look for more.
**February 17-18 – A. G. GASTON CONFERENCE – Economic Empowerment through Enterprise Development AT THE BJCC.
**MARCH 5-9 – BRIDGE CROSSING JUBLIEE in Selma, Alabama.

NOW…. BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUTS!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU… LEBOISE DERU, JR., LEKAMEREN DERU, JACARYS BRAXTON, LEKOTA DERU, CASSANDRA GRIFFEN MCINTYRE, PHYLLIS CONNELL, BETTINA BYRD GILES, MICHAEL GOULD, EVERETT SPRUILL, DR. CAROLYN BOLIVAR HAMEEN AND TO ALL CELEBRATING!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL YOU BIRTHDAY BALLERS…MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!!  ENJOY!!  Celebrate ‘your’ month…I do…all 30 days ‘and’ some!

Well, that’s it.  Tell you more ‘next’ time.
(People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send comments to my emails: thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com or gwenderu@yahoo.com.)

From Wire Reports

Bobby Brown’s attorney blasts ‘false’ speculations that Bobbi Kristina Brown’s family may take her off life support Wednesday, the third anniversary of Whitney Houston’s death. Police now confirm there’s a criminal investigation into what happened.
“I was very numb when I saw her,” says Leolah Brown, Bobbi Kristina Brown’s aunt, in a sit-down interview with Atlanta’s Fox 5 TV station.
Leolah, speaking on Tuesday afternoon to Fox 5’s Aungelique Proctor, recalled how hard it was to see her niece when she first went to the hospital. And it has been a difficult time for the family as they stay gathered around Bobbi Kristina in Emory University Hospital. Bobbi Kristina has been on a ventilator since Jan. 31, when she was found face down in a bathtub.
“It’s been very, very painful for everybody. Mainly Bobby, because that’s his baby,” she said of her brother, Bobby Brown.
Leolah went on to say she’s “hopeful’ about Krissi’s health. “There are so many signs showing us that she will be OK. Krissi is fine.”
She is still on life support, but is she Improving? “Yes, ma’am,” answered Leolah. “She’s opening her eyes. Krissi is doing well right now. She is.”
She wouldn’t comment on reports that there are injuries to Bobbi Kristina’s face.
But Leolah also took a few minutes to talk about how she felt Nick Gordon, whom Krissi has said is her husband, has not been a good influence.
Why? “I have my reasons,” said Leolah. She added that she believes he will be charged in the criminal investigation surrounding what led to the 911 call for Krissi. “Oh yes, 110 percent. … I HOPE that he will be charged … Soon.”
Leolah also said she “didn’t know Nick,” despite the fact that he lived for a time with Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown when Krissi was little and there have been reports that he was like an adopted son. “I never saw Nick.” She adds that they are “not married. No, ma’am.”
Nick Gordon has not addressed any reports.
One thing Leolah wants people to know for sure: “Krissi would never do anything to herself. Everybody in the family knows that. There’s no doubt in my mind. Krissi loved life too much!.”
As for tension at the hospital, Leolah said, “There’s no tension between Browns and Houstons. Everybody’s trying to stay strong and deal with this.” She added, “Bobby wants Krissi to rest. … She needs to heal.”
Leolah said there’s no truth to the idea that today would be the day Krissi is taken off the ventilator because it’s the day that her mom died three years ago.
“No,” she said, adding, “Bobby’s calling the shots.”
She urged that the “negativity” stop surrounding the family and Bobbi Kristina. “She is doing better. So let’s be hopeful. … I’m asking people to pray.”
At the same time, another family member, cousin Shayne Brown, also sounds hopeful about Krissi. “She’s progressing,” Shayne tells ET’s David Begnaud. “She’s getting better. We just ask for people to continue to pray.”

Ann Oldenburg, USA Today reported on this article.

By SANDY COHEN
AP Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES – Kanye West almost pulled another Kanye at the Grammy Awards.
West briefly popped up on stage as Beck accepted the album of the year award on Sunday for “Morning Phase,” beating out expected victor Beyoncé.
West smiled and quickly jumped down, but not before getting guffaws from Beyoncé and Jay Z.
Kanye famously got involved in an award presentation in 2009 when Taylor Swift beat Beyoncé at MTV’s Video Music Awards.
Beck seemed as surprised as the rest of the audience when he won the award Sunday and appeared to be looking around for help.
Recording academy president Neil Portnow said the almost-Kanye moment was part of the excitement of a live television show.
“It’s unpredictable,” he said. “You don’t know what’s going to happen… That turned out to be a fun moment at the end of the day.”
But it wasn’t such a fun moment later backstage when a very serious West told E! Entertainment that Beck should have given his award to Beyoncé.
“When you keep on diminishing art, and not respecting the craft, and smacking people in the face after they deliver monumental feats of music, you’re disrespectful to inspiration.”
He said of the Grammys “want real artists to keep coming back, they need to stop playing with us.”

La Perla closed its first La Perla Atelier Couture show in Paris with the perfect model to match their unique brand – Naomi Campbell. The Parisians had a chance to feast their eyes on the new collection made for both day and night, while the runway at the Hotel Salomon de Rothschild was also blessed with the feet of models Lindsey Wixson, Izabel Goulart, Natasha Poly and Isabelli Fontana. This beautiful combination of people you like to look at, dressed in pieces you want to wear, along with an exceptional atmosphere, made for a show to remember.
No matter how much we get accustomed to La Perla’s extraordinary designs, it doesn’t seem to stop with the tendency to surprise even more, every time their team of designers decides to shine a little light to the world of fashion.

Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta // Picture Group

LOS ANGELES — Lincoln Motor Company was the presenting sponsor for ESSENCE’s 6th Annual Black Women in Music Event in Los Angeles at Avalon Hollywood.
The 2015 ESSENCE Black Women in Music took both celebrity attendees and consumers on a journey through four decades of music with performances by Chaka Khan, MC Lyte, Brandy and Lianne La Havas. The event honored Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter, Jill Scott.
The all-new Lincoln MKX shared the red carpet with celebrity arrivals, alongside the 2015 Lincoln MKC, Black Label trim.
2015 ESSENCE Black Women in Music kicked off Lincoln’s “The Music Selfie Experiment,” that allows users to upload a selfie and have it set to a music track based on their facial features.
The ESSENCE Black Women in Music Event, now in its sixth consecutive year, is noted as one of the must-attend events during Grammy week.

LOS ANGELES – OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network will serve up new episodes of the NAACP Image Award-winning docu-series “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s” and the season premiere of new docu-series “2 Fat 2 Fly” on February 28 as part of the network’s popular Saturday night programming lineup.
“Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s,” starring acclaimed soul food chef and Sweetie Pie’s restaurant owner Miss Robbie Montgomery will air at 9 p.m. ET/PT, followed by “2 Fat 2 Fly,” introducing best friends Ramone Dickerson and Corey Simmons as they navigate their small-town food truck business of the same name at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
On an all-new season of “Welcome To Sweetie Pie’s,” viewers will rejoin the “first family of soul food,” following Miss Robbie and her son Tim through the ups and downs of running their rapidly expanding soul food empire, along with a few new faces getting schooled in the art of soul food.  With the fate of the Beale Street restaurant still undecided, Tim hustles to open the family’s first drive-thru location in St. Louis. Seeking to right a past wrong, Miss Robbie heads back in the studio to record a song she was forbidden to sing back in the ‘60s. Later, in an unforgettable episode, the family faces the civil unrest in Ferguson following the shooting of Michael Brown, and Tim plays a key role in bringing the community together. Through it all, the entire Sweetie Pie’s family serves up every situation with a perfect mix of humor, drama, heart, and soul.
“2 Fat 2 Fly” introduces Corey and Ramone, two best friends and creative geniuses who have big dreams for 2 Fat 2 Fly, their small-town food truck business. The Columbia, South Carolina duo invented a revolutionary twist on a culinary classic: stuffed chicken wings. Their secret stuffing technique puts savory dishes like jambalaya and mac & cheese inside a chicken wing. For Corey and Ramone, this isn’t just another food trend, it’s their meal ticket and chance to strike it rich. Unfortunately, after three years, Corey and Ramone are still barely scraping by.
When Ramone’s father threatens to repossess their food truck, “The Fonz,” for lack of payment on his investment, the guys are forced to make a bold decision to spread their wings and potentially move to a bigger market. Like all small business owners, along the way they face unbelievable financial and personal struggles and ultimately, the business becomes a true test of Corey and Ramone’s partnership. Through the good and bad times, they hold their dreams close and with every failure a new idea emerges, another obstacle to overcome, and even more laughs.

SILVER SPRING, Md. – In recognition of Black History Month, TV One is proud to offer an exciting month of diverse and network original premieres designed to entertain, enlighten and celebrate the Black experience. The robust slate of programs scheduled throughout February features two awards shows honoring greatness in entertainment and philanthropic endeavors, takes a look back at the Civil Rights era via an original vantage point, turns the spotlight on our soul-stirring divas of R&B, delves into the lives of beloved entertainers and offers a sneak peek look at an all-new comedy premiering on the network this summer.

Black History Month Programming Includes:

23rd Annual Trumpet Awards
Premieres Saturday, February 21 at 8p.m./ET

Largest multi-cultural beauty event in the U.S. revamps legendary tradeshow to focus on education and engagement for the next generation of industry professionals

ATLANTA, Ga. – The 68th Mid-Winter Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show will be held on February 21-23,  in Atlanta, Georgia at the Georgia World Congress Center. With more than 15,000 attendees and 400 exhibitors, the Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show maintains a commanding presence in the beauty industry and is the largest gathering of multicultural beauty professionals in the United States.
Since its inception, a member of the Bronner Family has led the charge to ensure a successful Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show. For the 2015 show, James Bronner, the youngest brother of the Bronner family, will fill this role. He also serves as part-owner and director of technology for the company.
“This year, the Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show will reflect a new vision for our role in the beauty industry,” said James Bronner, senior vice president, beauty show operations. “After 68 years in business, Bronner Bros. is still family-owned and I am honored to serve in this leadership capacity as we continue to set the standard for excellence in the beauty business. What’s old is now new again at Bronner Bros. – a focus on education, innovation, and elevation of the multicultural beauty business. We have an amazing show planned and I look forward to connecting with our attendees and exhibitors in the coming weeks.”
Bronner Bros. has re-imagined how they present their iconic beauty show by going back to its roots of education and empowerment. Founded in 1947, the company and subsequent trade show sprang from a series of weekly meetings hosted by the original Bronner Brothers, Dr. Nathaniel H. Bronner, Sr. and Arthur E. Bronner, Sr., for Atlanta cosmetologists looking to improve their skills. As such, every aspect of the upcoming show has been retooled solely with the instruction and professional development of attendees in mind – from a user-friendly website, online registration and self-service kiosks, to a revamped show floor and main stage features, as well as the education offerings, new show partners and evening events.
For the first time, Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show is open to licensed beauty industry professionals and cosmetology students only. Show passes, ranging from $20 – $150, are available online at http://bronnerbros.com/. On-site registration is also available at an increased rate.
Show pass holders can attend a variety of dynamic educational courses on business, manufacturers, weaving, skincare, make-up, cutting, coloring, barbering and nails at no additional charge on a first-come, first-serve basis. Complimentary classes include but are not limited to:
– Growing a Successful and Profitable Business
– Razor Cutting on Highly Textured Hair with Paparazzi Finishing
– Goal Minder’s Mentorship & Coaching
– Advanced Technology of Haircare
– Mastering Your Mechanical Shears
– Cinema Secrets

Hands-on education and select education courses are available for an additional fee and are limited by capacity. Advance registration for these classes is highly recommended.
Attendees at the Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show will also have the opportunity to glean insights from a wide range of industry experts. Special guests include but are not limited to:
•     Johnny Wright, Artistic Director, Softsheen-Carson Professional; Stylist for First Lady Michelle Obama
•     Ming Lee, Celebrity Stylist, Owner of Snob Life Studio
•     James Harris, Beauty Industry Icon
•     Dr. Ali N. Syed, Founder and President, AVLON
•     Cherry Smith, Celebrity Make-Up Artist
•     Lynn Yafchek, Platform Artist, Andis

Back by popular demand, the following competitions with cash prizes and product giveaways will be held throughout the Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show:
•    Name Your Face Make-up
•    Cut Master
•     Nail Art
•    Andis Total Look Barber Competition
•    Champions of Weave
•    Battle of the Schools
•    Student Mannequin

All competitors must register online by February 13, 2015, no on-site registration will be allowed. Visit www.bronnerbros.com for rules and regulations.
Two premiere events will place on Sunday, February 23 at the Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show:
•    The Bronner Family and Business Legacy (12-2p.m., Sidney Marcus Auditorium)
The general public is invited to learn the principles that created the 68-year Bronner Brother legacy during a history-making conversation with family matriarch, Robbie Bronner and eldest son, Nathanial Bronner, Jr.
•    An Evening with the Masters (8 -10:30p.m., Hall A3).

Attendees can watch industry legends work on the master stage and learn the latest trends. The event will feature Charles Gregory-Ross, James Harris, Floyd Kenyatta, Cynthia Meadows, James Mack and Jerome Allen.
For more information about the Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show including sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, please visit www.bronnerbros.com.

On February 21, Birmingham Fisk University alumni will present Dr. Horace Carney’s musical group, Omni-Music, in a jazz celebration to pay tribute to the Honorable Helen Shores Lee, Dr. Dannetta K. Thornton Owens, and Dr. William E. McCollum for their dedication to the university and the community. The event will take place at the Summit Club in downtown Birmingham at 11 a.m.
Dr. H. James Williams, president of Fisk University, will deliver the keynote speech before paying tribute to the alumni honorees. The event is being held to provide scholarships for worthy students from the Birmingham area and the general scholarship fund. It promises to be an unforgettable affair.
Fisk University is one of the older HBCUs. Founded in 1866 by the American Missionary Society and the Freedmen’s Bureau, the school has provided excellent academic opportunities for its students and consequently has produced outstanding graduates. The world-renowned Fisk Jubliee Singers have traveled the globe bringing attention to the university as well as to African Americans.
Tickets may be obtained through birminghamfiskalumni@gmail.com or any B’ham Fisk Club member and specifically from Ms. Beverly Dixon (832)-605-5731 or Dr. Aldophus Jackson (205) 907-6747.

Former co-host of “The 2 Live Stews” brings lighthearted sports radio to the internet

NATIONWIDE (BlackNews.com) – Radio host Doug Stewart has launched a new online sports radio show that made its debut in mid-September. The Doug Stewart Show features lighthearted sports interviews and commentary that can be heard live through the show’s mobile app and on the show’s website, www.thwdoughstewartshow.com.
The Doug Stewart Show offers a fun, lighthearted experience that fans familiar with The 2 Live Stews were longing for. The Doug Stewart Show serves it’s listeners honest, raw, sports takes heard daily from Doug and his fully engaged interactive audience in the live Spreaker chat, the platform from which the show broadcasts. Doug conducts interviews with the biggest names in sports, and listeners are consistently entertained. “The Doug Stewart Show is a harbinger of sports talk candor,” says Stewart, a former co-host of the syndicated The 2 Live Stews radio show.
Doug’s two-hour show airs Mondays -Friday from 11a.m.-1p.m. Eastern Time. The show is also available as a podcast currently housing more than 96 episodes. Listeners tuning in to The Doug Stewart Show can look forward to high quality audio comparable to terrestrial radio, and are able to call in and interact with Doug. The show is entering its 5th month on air, and is creating a firestorm in the online sports talk radio forums, boasting 75,000 plus listens through the Spreaker platform alone. The Atlanta Journal Constitution is also talking about the show and its success in such a short time.
Doug Stewart is best known for being half of the duo of The 2 Live Stews hosted for over a decade with brother Ryan Stewart. The 2 Live Stews debuted in 2001 on Sports Radio 790 The Zone in Atlanta and eventually grew to a nationwide audience. The show, which was best described as “from the basement style sports talk”, gained such popularity that Doug and Ryan were seen regularly on ESPN2’s First Take. The 2 Live Stews was nationally syndicated via Sporting News Radio.