By Associated Press

NEW YORK — The farewell to the Broadway musical “Motown” may get upstaged by a concert from some original Motown stars — The Temptations and The Four Tops.
The two groups will play the Palace Theatre together for seven shows between Dec. 29-Jan. 4. Tickets, which range from $52-$142, go on sale Nov. 14.
The Temptations had hits with “The Way You Do The Things You Do,” ”My Girl,” ”Get Ready” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” The Four Tops are known for “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” ”Reach Out (I’ll Be There)” and “Standing In the Shadows of Love.”
The Broadway concerts will feature two surviving original band members — Otis Williams of The Temptations and Abdul “Duke” Fakir of The Four Tops.
Nearby, the show “Motown,” about Berry Gordy’s Motown Records, will be winding down its time on Broadway with songs from both groups. It plans to close at the Lunt Fontanne Theatre on Jan. 18.
The Palace Theatre has been empty since “Holler If Ya Hear Me” this summer and its next tenant will be “An American in Paris” in the spring, making the concert booking attractive. Older musicians have lately found Broadway inviting, with Barry Manilow, The Rascals and Frankie Valli all making stops.

Kerry Washington has been spotted on a family outing with her husband Nnamdi Asomugha and their new daughter!
Paparazzi caught the “Scandal” star carrying baby Isabelle while the family took a quick stroll on Sunday afternoon. According to TheYBF.com, Kerry and Nnamdi were getting a little fresh air while they were out a friend’s house for a World Cup Party/BBQ in Los Angeles.
Kerry’s been very private about her home life, deftly dodging any questions about her 2-month-old daughter. She said during a recent interview that she felt very “blessed’ to be a mom, but she hasn’t told the public much about Isabelle.

Sunday’s outing was no different as Kerry kept her baby girl wrapped up in a blanket for the family walk. In shots released online, it looks like her hubby Nnamdi is onboard with the idea of keeping Isabelle away from prying eyes because he seemed to be protector mode when he saw the paparazzi.
Kerry had the situation handled as she kept the baby close to her chest and the blankets bundled over Isabelle’s head. That means photographers had no chance of getting a glimpse of the baby’s face, but they did spy her little legs.
Click here to check out all of the pics of Kerry, Isabelle and Nnamdi!

Los Angeles, CA (BlackNews.com) — A public memorial service is scheduled to pay honor to music industry veteran, Augie Johnson, on Saturday November 15, 2014 at Centinela Valley Performing Arts located at 14901 S. Inglewood Ave. Lawndale, CA, 90278 at 11 a.m. August “Augie” Johnson, best known as creator of 1970’s R&B group, Side Effect, with hit singles, “Always There” and “Keep That Same Old Feeling” passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 11, 2014 at his home in Long Beach, CA.
Augie was born on August 2, 1948 in New Orleans, LA and was raised in Southern California. He graduated from Washington High School and served in the United States Army from 1970 – 1972. As an entrepreneur, Augie owned and operated “Augie’s Distinctive Cleaners” on Crenshaw Blvd for many years. This establishment was a Los Angeles landmark that served the community for decades.
Johnson’s father, August Sr., instilled in him an early appreciation of music. His dad trained him to play all of the woodwind instruments and also taught him to scat, a jazz vocal technique popular in the New Orleans area. Augie’s road to success began with the American Legions Band, proceeding to the Bob Mitchell Boys Choir, and later the Doodle Town Pipers. He formed several musical groups over the years: Side Effect, The L.A. Boppers, and the Duprells. Augie was a singer, producer, writer, arranger, and talent mentor. His versatility afforded him opportunities to work with high profile entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Quincy Jones, Boz Scaggs and Michael Jackson.Left to cherish memories of his love and laughter are his fiancé Cathi Le Day and his children Toi Carmichael, Damon Johnson Sr., Tishema Cromwell, Nicholas Howard Johnson, Amber Johnson, and August Johnson, Jr., plus 8 grandchildren and a great-grandson.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to: Shades of Music Entertainment c/o Augie Johnson, P.O. Box 6506, San Pedro, CA 90734.
Confirmed speakers include veteran radio disc jockey JJ Johnson, Radio host/POWER 106 DJ Big Boy and Comedian/Actor T.K. Carter. Special performances by Augie’s Side Effect, L.A. Boppers, Lina Loi plus an authentic 2nd line lead by Stanley LeSassier.
The celebration of life musical tribute will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday November 15, 2014 at Centinela Valley Performing Arts located at 14901 S. Inglewood Ave. Lawndale, CA, 90278.

By Esther Callens

A highly inspiring and informative guide is presented in Disabled And Blessed – How To Navigate The Waters Of Social Security Disability. Authored by David Anthony II, it offers vital information laced with a number of scriptural passages and affirmations.
The uncertainties of life can totally wreck a person’s entire outlook. One minute you are in good health, then in a split second you are rendered incapacitated. The terminology disabled covers a plethora of ailments –whether they are physical or mental. Likewise, a person may exhibit outward signs of their infirmity or they may be unnoticeable (i. e. heart disease, cancer). In some instances, the illnesses are long term and leaves a person disabled. This is when they would apply for disability with the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is at this point that David Anthony’s book can be utilized.
After witnessing the struggle his disabled mother went through in order to obtain aid, Anthony was inspired to pen this book. Written in laymen terms, it offers pertinent details that are helpful when applying. Included are chapters that address topics such as agencies to apply to, the application process, time frame, the appeal process, dependents’ benefits and others. There is also a glossary included that gives a listing and the definition of some of the words that an applicant will likely encounter once applying.
Additionally listed are biblical scriptures and units that offer encouraging words that deal with being the very best you, no matter what the circumstances and the importance of family, love and faith. Concerning Disabled And Blessed, the cover note states that it’s “Equal parts handbook, guide book, and personal workbook.” But it is more than that – it is one man’s painstaking labor of love in order to help his fellow- man.
David Anthony II was born in New York and he was reared in Washington, D.C. In his bio, it is stated “David’s philosophy is simple: all people should be treated with respect, dignity, and fairness. His mission is to help those facing obstacles and challenges, in addition to being a voice for those that are not able to speak for themselves. He believes when you place God first in your life and do things for the right reason, absolutely nothing can stop you, not even disability.” He makes Orlando, Florida home.

By Esther Callens

Good music is appealing to the ear but great music leaves a lasting impression on the harmonic palate. Coinciding with the aforementioned, listed below are a few albums that are certain to satisfy most cravings –Enjoy!

The dynamic duo of Steve Wilson (saxophonist) and Lewis Nash (drummer) have boldly taken giant steps with Duologue (MCG Jazz), their latest. This sax-drums combo is proven to be a match made in heaven. Eschewing all the extras and hooplas with Duologue, they have stuck to the basics and the outcome is simply pure music. Recorded live at The Manchester Craftsmen Guild (Pittsburgh, PA) in March of last year, Duologue gives interpretations on classics from Thelonious Monk, Fats Waller, Dizzy Gillespie and others along with a few of their own surprises. Duologue – less is more – Fantastic!
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Not only do girls rock, but they swing too in A Swingin Life (MCG Jazz). It is an outstanding album recorded by Diva with special guests Nancy Wilson and Marlena Shaw. Diva is the collective gathering of 15 females that formed a big band. These ladies got skills! With A Swingin Life, Diva takes a few pages out of the Great American Songbook putting a spotlight on “What the World Needs Now”, “All Of Me”, “Pennies From Heaven”, “Blues Medley” (“Goin’ To Chicago Blues”; “Kansas City”; “Every Day I Have The Blues”) and others. It is no mystery why Diva has racked up an impressive following over the years. These girls know how to have fun.
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Glasses, No Glasses (Pimento Music) is the title of the jam session by bassist Amanda Ruzza and drummer Mauricio Zottarelli. Enlisting guest keyboardist-saxophonist Leo Spalding, the entire CD was recorded in less than two days. Featuring an eclectic mixture of improv, the trio produced some profound carefree compositions. They are so in tune with each other until the first track is their actual soundcheck (which  ironically is its name) and it is smokin! Glasses, No Glasses delivers a healthy dose of funk!
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Last and certainly not least is a project by a Dutch group who goes by the name of Die Glorreichen Sieben aka The Magnificent Seven. Their album, titled Rockin’ In The Free World pays tribute to Neil Young. It features eight distinct interpretations of some of Neil’s classics.

BOSTON, Mass.— DOWNTON ABBEY, the Emmy® and Golden Globe® award-winning drama that has become an international hit, will return to MASTERPIECE on PBS for a sixth season.
A Carnival Films/MASTERPIECE co-production, Downton Abbey, Season 5 completes its run in the UK on Sunday, November 9th. Season 5 will premiere on MASTERPIECE on PBS on Sunday, January 4, 2015.
MASTERPIECE Executive Producer Rebecca Eaton says, “Good news! Just as our audience settles in for the beloved Crawley family drama, we can announce that Season 6 will arrive a year later. How lucky can you get?”
The sixth season will go into production in 2015 and will be written by Julian Fellowes.
Carnival’s Managing Director Gareth Neame, Executive Producer of Downton Abbey, said, “We have had an amazing reaction to the story lines, acting and production values of Downton Abbey this year and the whole team is thrilled to be moving ahead with a new season of the show. This will provide audiences with a fresh opportunity to see what will befall our much loved characters.”
Viewership and social media stats have soared since Downton Abbey launched in January 2011. Season 4 drew an average audience of 13.2 million viewers, making it the top PBS drama of all time and one of the highest-rated dramas now on American television.
“At its heart, television is about storytelling, and Downton Abbey is certainly storytelling at its finest. Downton Abbey and the Crawley family have kept us on the edge of our seats as they navigate through some of the biggest moments of the 20th century,” said Paula Kerger, PBS President and CEO. “Along with our member stations, PBS can’t wait to share the next season of Downton drama with our audiences.”

BY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Deacon became the voice of reason for Quinn when he attempted to talk her out of taking a trip to Amsterdam to interfere in Wyatt and Hope’s relationship. Wyatt took a page out of Quinn’s play book when he created a scenario that will ensure Liam’s no longer an equation in his marriage. Forrester Creations’ international publicist made a revision to the photo shoot that didn’t sit too well with Hope. Well aware of Hope’s lingering feelings for Liam, Ivy advised her to get over it because he’s moving on with his life. Wanting Liam out of Hope’s life and heart, Wyatt quietly assisted his brother in refocusing his attention towards Ivy. Despite her track record with getting assistance in the past, Quinn turned to Bill to help her with a new plan to ensure that Wyatt’s marriage remains intact. Bill found amusement in Quinn’s news that she and Deacon are now a couple. Eric was caught off guard when he received a surprise visit from someone from his past who allowed him to take a walk down memory lane. Unaware of the ball that Wyatt already got rolling, Hope asked him to not interfere with Liam and Ivy’s burgeoning connection. Wyatt encouraged Liam to take the next step in his relationship with Ivy. Hope and Ivy took part in a glamourous photo shoot with Amsterdam as the backdrop. Hope’s jealousy reared its ugly head when she witnessed the chemistry between Liam and Ivy and the great attention that he showed her.  Deacon got a glimpse into the similarities between Quinn and Wyatt as she informed him on what her son’s up to. Hope and Ivy attempted to compete with each other through their modeling during the second part of the photo shoot. Wyatt’s plan to push Liam and Ivy closer together began to take shape. Liam and Ivy took in the sights of Amsterdam while enjoying each other’s company on a romantic boat ride. Hope learned that the romantic plans that she overheard Wyatt making weren’t for her but for Liam and Ivy. Maya began to reap the benefits of not only dating a Forrester but also the CEO of the company.
THIS WEEK: Pam gives Ridge relationship advice on how to get back in Katie’s good graces. Ridge jumps to Caroline’s defense when he witnesses Rick mistreating her.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Theresa had shocking news for Brady. John and Marlena shared a bittersweet goodbye – for now. An intense Clyde challenged Jordan to shoot him. Abigail and Ben argued over Chad’s actions. Theresa set out to prove to Brady that she’s telling the truth. Hope uncovered unsettling information about Aiden’s past. Rafe found Chad kissing Jordan, and the two men nearly came to blows. Newcomer Paul flirted with Jordan and Abigail. Aiden made a huge confession to Hope about his past. Brady and Theresa finally got answers. Someone inadvertently threatened to expose JJ’s secret. Abigail attempted to work things out with Ben. Theresa’s world was turned upside down. Paige questioned Eve about her connection to Daniel. A guilt-ridden JJ confided in Daniel. Aiden and Hope made plans for a big step in their relationship. JJ made an angry accusation against Eve. Aiden and Hope finally made love! Ben realized Chad’s “generous” offer comes with an ulterior motive. Daniel was ready to perform surgery on Paul but was met with resistance from his agent.
THIS WEEK: Eve has some explaining to do. Theresa is still reeling from a traumatic life experience.
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Michael was faced with a harsh choice while Sonny accepted his fate.  Due to recent circumstances, Ava was frantic. Later in the day, Kiki and Silas learned the truth about what happened to Ava. Madeline had her own agenda planned for Nina. Julian continued to be jealous of Ned’s relationship with Alexis while Ned wondered what Julian really knows about Luke. Patrick, Ned, Tracy and Monica questioned the motives of the new visitor at the Quartermaine mansion. Sam and Danny encountered Jake. In the interim, Elizabeth had an offer for Jake. Carly, Jordan and Shawn were faced with a dilemma. Nathan and Dante walked into a possible trap. Michael was satisfied with a recent outcome. Kiki and Morgan decided to make an admission. Sonny learned an important fact that could put others in danger. Scott was getting his just rewards. Franco acted very mysterious with Bobbie. Nathan had some questions for Rosalie. Both Lulu and Olivia were concerned about the fates of their loved ones. Carly ascertained a disturbing reality about Franco. Meanwhile, Franco gathered Intel on Obrecht’s plan, and as a result, pondered his next move. Nina opened the door to a surprise visitor. Shawn and Jordan made a decision regarding TJ. Sonny and Duke discussed their recent hardship. Rosalie and Michael formed a bond. Nina was beside herself and did not realize the realities of her actions. Duke got some legal advice. Morgan was upset when Carly suddenly got sidelined. Kiki walked in on a shocking situation. Sonny and Carly lamented over the recent chain of events. Anna wondered why Lucy would go to such lengths to try and help Duke.
THIS WEEK: Nikolas and Britt have an unexpected visitor at Wyndemere, who has many questions for Britt. Elizabeth continues to try to help Jake spark his memory.
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Summer struggled with understanding how Sharon could do something so cruel as to change the paternity test. But she was relieved when Nick said he doesn’t expect her to cut Jack out of her life. Meanwhile, Sharon admitted to Noah that she made Nick believe that he wasn’t Summer’s father. Noah asked if she had been faking the memory loss, and Sharon was offended. Grace then showed up to see Sharon who believed she’s looking to make a move on Nick. Grace admitted that she already tried that, but Nick wouldn’t give her the time of day. Meanwhile, Nick visited his mother and told her that he’s contemplating cutting Sharon out of his life forever. Nikki worried that Nick’s letting his anger get the best of him. Phyllis ran into Lauren while she’s looking for Jack. Lauren told her Jack wasn’t there and worried that she and Jack are no longer together. Phyllis said that they’re definitely together and wanted to know why Lauren would question such a thing. Meanwhile, Jack explained to Kelly about Summer’s DNA test and remembered that he needs to tell Kyle. After he did, she comforted him, and they ended up kissing passionately. Jack then said they couldn’t do this and admitted that he needs to talk to Phyllis. Meanwhile, Phyllis asked Billy why Jack has a picture of Kelly in his desk. Billy explained that the photo belongs to him and that Kelly’s someone he met after Delia died. He mentioned that the photo is part of the Jabot media kit because she plans events at the club. Later, Phyllis grew suspicious when Jack avoided kissing her. He accidentally left his phone behind, so Phyllis snooped through it and found messages from Kelly. Jack came home and Phyllis said she wants to have an engagement party and suggested that Kelly plan it. Victoria came to see Nikki and almost took a drink of Nikki’s vodka. Nikki then let it slip that maybe Stitch didn’t kill his father. Later, Victoria figured out that Maureen’s the killer, and Stitch has been covering for her since it happened. Maureen finally admitted that she killed her husband to save her children. As Victoria took out her phone to call the police, Maureen grabbed her and shoved her into a janitor’s closet. Victoria begged to be let out and suddenly got a pain in her stomach. Maureen then called Stitch but suddenly got a pain in her chest and keeled over. Stitch ran out and told Dylan to call 911 and have the ambulance meet him at the Jabot parking garage. Later, Maureen arrived at the hospital, and Stitch learned that she needs bypass surgery. Adam watched Chelsea and Connor on his computer and got upset when Chelsea talked about Billy moving in. He grew more upset when he heard Chelsea tell Connor that they can be a family with Billy. Adam took an unsteady step forward and fell to the ground in pain. Meanwhile, Chelsea found the hidden surveillance camera in Connor’s room. She showed it to Billy who figured that Adam put it there to protect Connor. Chelsea tossed the camera in the trash. Adam told Sage that he isn’t going to sit by and let Billy take over his family, but she worried about what Adam’s capable of doing. Meanwhile, Chelsea wanted to figure out who installed the camera in Connor’s room. When Billy figured out that it didn’t go on the market until May of this year, Chelsea realized that whoever is spying on her and Connor started doing it after Adam died. Paul decided that he wants to have a baby with Christine. However, they were interrupted by Harding who told Paul that he hasn’t been able to find anything on Joe. Avery wanted Joe to swear that his business venture wasn’t personal against Dylan. Joe wondered what she would say if it was, and she slapped him. Joe then assumed all this passion means Avery still has feelings for him, and he pulled her into a hot kiss. Devon got a call from Hilary who’s worried that Colin might know about them.  When he got off the phone, Neil asked him if that was his mystery girl. Kevin couldn’t believe that Michael hasn’t told Lauren that he has cancer. He urged Michael to let him help and not deal with his diagnosis on his own. When Kevin threatened to tell the family, Michael vowed never to forgive him if he does.
THIS WEEK: Avery threatens to call the police if Joe tries to touch her again and says she will see him in court. Stitch tells Maureen that he is going to tell Victoria the truth tonight and she tries to stop him.

Civil Rights group calls on Andy Cohen and Bravo to make commitment to no longer air physical fights involving Black people
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Last night the Bravo Network premiered season seven of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, the first since last season’s reunion special, during which a brawl erupted between cast members Porsha Williams and Kenya Moore. That fight was just the most recent in a long line of physical altercations involving Black people on the network. In response to reports of potentially more violence to come, ColorOfChange.org is calling on Bravo TV and Andy Cohen to make a commitment to no longer air violence involving Black people.
ColorOfChange.org Managing Director of Campaigns, Arisha Hatch released the following statement:
“Violence involving Black cast members has become a reliable ratings boost for Bravo. Prior to last season’s reunion show altercation, major brawls on shows like The New Atlanta and Married to Medicine were aired with much fanfare, hyped up as must-see television events.
“Bravo is not at the mercy of the behavior of the casts of its shows. Reality TV producers routinely utilize staged, hostile environments and specific editing strategies to conjure the story they wish to tell. We demand Bravo and Andy Cohen turn away from these stereotypical narratives, and stop profiting from violence involving Black people.
“Judging by recent reports of yet another massive brawl during taping for the upcoming season of Bravo’s Blood, Sweat, and Heels, it seems there’s no end in sight for Bravo’s reliance on dangerous stereotypes. During that fight, between Black castmates Geneva Thomas and Melyssa Ford, a bottle was reportedly smashed over Ford’s head, sending her to the hospital. Thomas has since been arrested. Under no circumstances should Bravo air this or any other fights involving Black people.
“Stereotypical portrayals of Black people – as angry, belligerent, and violent – are dangerous, shaping negative perceptions in the minds of viewers that, when acted upon, can mean real life harm for Black communities; discriminatory hiring practices, less attention from doctors, and harsher treatment by law enforcement, just to name a few. Bravo and Andy Cohen must move beyond these harmful, one-dimensional portrayals.”

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Romance and a “magic” potion set the stage for a contemporary take on Donizetti’s classic tale “The Elixir of Love,” a co-production by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Opera and Chamber Singers.
Performances, to be sung in English, are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, and Friday, Nov. 21, in UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, Sirote Theatre, 1200 10th Ave. South. The production, directed by Associate Professor of Voice and Opera Kristine Hurst-Wajszczuk, DMA, and conducted by Les Fillmer, is presented by the Department of Music. Brian Kittredge, DMA, director of choral activities, is chorus master.
Tickets are $10, $15 and $20, with $5 tickets available for any student with an ID or anyone under 18. A group discount for $10 tickets is available for groups of eight or more, with advance purchase required. Call 205-975-2787 for tickets. Visit the UAB Department of Music online at www.uab.edu/cas/music.
Set in a hotel, the story revolves around the bellhop Nemorino, played by Shane Bloemetjie of Huntsville, who is in love with the concierge Adina, played by Mary Katherine Whatley of Birmingham. Adina has a penchant for romance novels, and while on break she reads the story of Tristan and Isolde and the magic love potion to the hotel staff. As they return to work, Nemorino shares his love with Adina, who encourages him to try to forget her by dating other women. He refuses, saying he could never love anyone else.
Belcore, an army sergeant played by Nole Jones of Prattville, arrives and sets his sights on Adina. Belcore immediately proposes marriage, and Adina eventually accepts, hoping all the while to maintain Nemorino’s interest in her. Meanwhile, the traveling salesman Dulcamara, played by Johnathon Lyons of Tuscaloosa, arrives and sells his wares to the hotel staff. Nemorino buys a love potion from Dulcamara, which is actually just a combination of cheap liquor mixed to make a quick buck. Dulcamara tells Nemorino it will take 24 hours for every woman to fall in love with him, so Nemorino tries to play it cool with Adina, who misses his attentions. Incensed, she agrees to marry Belcore that very night, before the “elixir” will take effect. Will Nemorino lose Adina or finally win her love? What follows is a comedy of well-meaning deception, flirtation, jealousy, reversal of fortune and romance.
The chorus features music students with a diverse range of majors, from physical therapy, biomedical sciences, engineering and nursing to theater, language arts, computer sciences and music education. The chorus includes Katy Alford, Beau Boudreaux, Rebecca Egeland, Taylor Evans, Jeremiah McGuire, Lauren Moore, Myah Morton, Ashlyn Poe, Gregg Stuart and Mary Katherine Whatley of Birmingham; Erin Brown of Tuscaloosa; Macy Cox of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Felix Crutcher of Huntsville; Kristen Deneen of Vestavia Hills; Christopher Farley of Morris; April Hoge of Fort Payne; Nykkie Israil of Montgomery; Lydia Knight of Corner; Meredith Morse of Columbus, Ohio; Michaela Richmond of Kennesaw, Georgia; Siobhan Russell of Cullman; Hunter Smith of Gardendale; Karissa Woodley of Jacksonville; Elie Younes of Beirut, Lebanon; and Gregg Stuart, a local nurse.