NEW YORK and SEATTLE – Jennifer Hudson has joined the music lineup of THE CONCERT FOR VALOR, the free concert to honor the courage and sacrifice of America’s veterans and their families. To be hosted by HBO, Starbucks Coffee Company and Chase, THE CONCERT FOR VALOR will be presented live from the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on HBO this Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11 (7 p.m. ET/4p.m. PT).
Hudson joins a previously confirmed live music lineup that includes The Black Keys, Eminem, Dave Grohl, Jessie J, Metallica, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen, Carrie Underwood and Zac Brown Band.
The concert will also feature onstage hosts Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, Jamie Foxx, George Lopez, John Oliver and Bob Woodruff, and special tributes by Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon.
The live event will be executive produced by Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks and Joel Gallen, who will also direct.

The annual Durban FilmMart recently celebrated five amazing years as Africa’s leading film co-production and funding market, and is calling all African filmmakers to submit their film projects for 2015 DFM selections.
“DFM 2014 has been an exceptionally successful event with amazing talent coming through, innovative workshops taking place and exciting opportunities presented. We look forward to the submissions for next year’s DFM and encourage African filmmakers to take a chance and put themselves out there.” says Durban Film Office’s Toni Monty.
DFM has worked with ninety-five official projects making their debuts at the four day event in Durban over the past five years. Many DFM alumni have secured further funding grants and screened at film festivals around the world, establishing Durban FilmMart as a key platform for budding African filmmakers to propel their film making careers.
Durban FilmMart 2015 will select 10 fiction feature and 10 documentary feature projects in development to participate in the 6th Durban FilmMart taking place 17 – 20th July 2015.
Interested African filmmakers are encouraged to submit their projects by 15 February 2015. It is important to note that all projects must have a producer and director attached.
To find out more about the DFM 2015 project submission criteria and how to submit your project, please visit:  www.durbanfilmmart.com
For further enquiries contact:
info@durbanfilmmart.com

Event to Also Feature Special Appearances by Zendaya, Carlos PenaVega and Stars from Nick’s Hit Series Instant Mom, The Thundermans and The Haunted Hathaways

*Art available upon request or at www.nickpress.com

NEW YORK – Grammy Award-winning powerhouse hip hop group The Roots and pop sensation Fifth Harmony will join a stellar music lineup that includes Jessie J, Nick Jonas, Meghan Trainor, Echosmith and The Vamps for the Nickelodeon HALO Awards, premiering Sunday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. (ET/PT).  Jam-packed with one-of-a-kind performances, the hour-long special celebrates five kids who are “Helping and Leading Others” (HALO) in their communities.  The concert will be capped by a must-see, all-star finale led by The Roots.
Nickelodeon HALO Awards will also feature special appearances by Zendaya and Carlos PenaVega, along with stars from Nick’s hit series Instant Mom (Sydney Park), The Thundermans (Jack Griffo, Kira Kosarin), The Haunted Hathaways (Benjamin Flores Jr., Breanna Yde) and Victorious (Leon Thomas, Matt Bennett).
Creator and executive producer Nick Cannon will host the festivities from New York’s Pier 36 and the event will air across Nick networks (Nickelodeon, TeenNick, Nicktoons), in addition to streaming live for the first time ever on Nick.com, the Nick App and Nick Radio.

This year’s five Nickelodeon HALO Awards honorees are:
•    Lulu Cerone, 15, Los Angeles, Calif. – Through her organization LemonAID Warriors, Lulu Cerone brainstorms, plans events and coordinates “PhilanthroParties,” which mix charity work with regular kids’ festivities using easy-to-follow toolkits. Following her own model, Cerone raised over $58,000 for water projects in Africa, $33,000 for local organizations, and has personally helped plan nearly 200 Philanthro-Parties across the U.S.
•    Yash Gupta, 18, Irvine, Calif. – After an accident left him without his eyeglasses for a week, Yash Gupta was inspired to start Sight Learning, an organization that collects and donates used eyeglasses, sets up eye exams, and gives the gift of sight to students around the world. Since 2010, Sight Learning has donated over 21,000 pairs of glasses to students in need across 14 states in the U.S. and in four countries.

•    Cassandra Lin, 16, Westerly, R.I. ‐ Cassandra Lin is the founder of Turn Grease into Fuel (TGIF), a sustainable program that collects waste cooking oil, from local residents and restaurants, then converts it into biodiesel fuel. The fuel is used to heat the homes of families in need. With 145 participating restaurants and businesses in 22 towns and 20 public receptacles throughout three states, TGIF has collected over 170,000 gallons of waste cooking oil and helped heat the homes of over 290 families to date.

•    Nicholas Lowinger, 16, Cranston, R.I. ‐ Gotta Have Sole – After an enlightening visit to a local homeless shelter, Nicholas Lowinger started Gotta Have Sole in 2010 to provide brand-new footwear to underprivileged children across the United States. To date, the organization works with shelters in 35 states and has provided brand-new shoes to over 21,500 underprivileged kids, giving them the confidence and means to go to school, socialize, succeed and live healthier, happier lives.

•    Alanna Wall, 14, Dayton, Ohio – Striving to brighten the lives of young girls, Alanna Wall created Polished Girlz, an organization that brings trendy nail art parties to those with special needs and frequent hospitalizations. Since its inception in 2011, over 800 volunteers are currently painting girls’ nails in over 25 national chapters in North America.

Nick.com/halo and the Nick App are the official digital destinations for all things HALO.  Kids will be able to learn all about the HALO Awards, relive the best performances from last year’s show, watch videos featuring Nick Cannon and all of this year’s musical acts, flip through photo galleries featuring kids who have HALO’d, find out which celebs will have a front row seat to this year’s concert event, and score some exclusive sneak peeks before the show.
On Nov. 30, kids can watch the concert special unfold through a live photo stream featuring images of their favorite Nick Stars, Nick Cannon, Meghan Trainor and more. Plus, for the first time ever, Nick.com and the Nick App will feature a live video stream of the HALO Awards so kids can watch the show anywhere.
Currently in its sixth year, Nickelodeon HALO Awards is an annual awards show that recognizes real-life kids that are doing extraordinary things in their communities and “Helping and Leading Others” (HALO).  In addition to being awarded a grant for their organization and scholarship funds, each HALO Award honoree is given an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and connect with celebrities that share their same passion for service.
Presenting sponsors of the annual Nickelodeon HALO Awards are Green Giant™, Reese’s Puffs Cereal and Dave & Buster’s.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. –  BET’s Sunday Best winner Joshua Rogers performed on Sunday, Nov. 2  on Stillman College’s campus to kick-off its homecoming week festivities.
“I am excited to have another opportunity to minister through song. Stillman College is rich in history and tradition. I know that we will have a great time in the Lord. I was born and raised in South Carolina, so coming to Alabama will feel like coming home,” said Rogers.
The Stillman Homecoming Gospel Concert was sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs and in addition to Rogers, featured the Christian Student Association, Central High and Westlawn Middle School Choirs.
“We are thrilled to be hosting Joshua Rodgers, our very own CSA Anointed Voices and other special guests.  Each will deliver anointed messages in song that will inspire everyone in attendance, ” said Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Sharon Whittaker-Davis.
Rogers is a remarkably skilled yet humble contemporary gospel artist from Greeleyville, South Carolina. The singer and songwriter was brought up in an Apostolic church, where his grandmother served as a pastor, and sang and played drums. Rogers auditioned for the fifth season of BET’s Sunday Best and eventually won the competition, which led to a contract with Music World. Well Done, an EP featuring covers of songs originally recorded by the likes of Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Andraé Crouch and Mary Mary was released in November 2012 and debuted at the top of Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart. Unconditional, Rogers’ first proper album, followed in October 2013 with several originals co-written with Pierre Medor.

 Samford University’s Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center continues its annual Signature Series November 10th with “New Orleans Legends: Preservation Hall Jazz Band + Allen Toussaint Oh Yeah! Tour.”  Show time is 7:30 p.m. “Together they’ll offer a night of unforgettable music that will truly celebrate the best of the Crescent City,” stated Sean Wright, director of Samford’s Wright Center.
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band derives its name from Preservation Hall, the venerable music venue located in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, founded in 1961 by Allan and Sandra Jaffe. The band has traveled worldwide spreading their mission to nurture and perpetuate the art form of New Orleans Jazz. Whether performing at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center, for British Royalty or the King of Thailand, this music embodies a joyful, timeless spirit.
Allen Toussaint is a senior member of the fraternity of New Orleans music makers, a renowned songwriter and producer for more than 50 years. The list of those who have benefited in one way or another from the Toussaint’s touch is staggering in its historic and stylistic range, stretching from the late 1950s to the present day, with no end in sight. His studio productions have sold millions of discs and downloads. His catalog of songs has generated hits on the pop, R&B, country and dance charts – many remain on heavy rotation in various radio formats.
Tickets start at only $18. For more information or to purchase tickets visit tickets.samford.edu or call (205) 726-2853.

By Esther Callens

New York Times #1 Bestselling Author, Abbi Glines returns with another enthralling page-turner. Set for a release date of December 2nd is You Were Mine (Atria Books-Paperback), the ninth wonderful addition to the Rosemary Beach series. Offering an undying love that’s steeped in raw emotions with passion at its core, You Were Mine authenticates that Abbi Glines is this century’s finest romance writer.
You Were Mine follows the tale of Tripp Montgomery Newark and Bethy Lowry. Tripp and his family are well known denizens of Rosemary Beach. Likewise, just as the other young adults in this community, Tripp’s life course was mapped out for him before he was even born. He is to attend Yale and marry a girl of the same standard – these are the plans that his rich, aristocratic father has in store for him. Surprises are on the horizon for all parties involved.
On the other hand, Bethy Lowry is a fish swimming in a different pond. Her father is far from being rich and they both live in a trailer park. Fact is, her only true ties to the upper crust echelons of Rosemary Beach is her employment at the Kerrington Country Club – a position her Aunt Darla (a club administrator) secured for her. The question remains, what do these very different people have in common? To answer this please keep in mind that opposites do attract.
In order for Tripp to live his life, he abandons the financial security his father offers. In doing so, he leaves behind a young, broken hearted Bethy, the results of a summer fling. Eight years passes swiftly and Tripp, having vowed he would return for the love of his life (Bethy) decides to go home. Bethy, on the other hand, has moved on with her life and married Jace, Tripp’s cousin. However, before it is all said and done, Tripp and Bethy are in for a few shocking surprises. Although love is a bond that can stands the test of time, contrariwise time brings about a change. Having said that, matters of the heart are not exempt from the aforementioned.
Abbi Glines is a brilliant author who has topped numerous bestselling lists. Alabama is home for her and her family.

By Esther Callens

It’s that time of the year, again! Break out the eggnog and get merry while listening to a few seasonal favorites. One that’s guaranteed to get partygoers into the holiday spirit is The Christmas Album, recorded by Human Nature, an all-male quartet from Sydney, Australia. Although this was previously released last year Down Under, it is now available in the states to make an excellent addition to your festive playlist.
Now, I will be the first to admit that there are millions or more Christmas albums and you are probably thinking what makes Human Nature’s collection stand out from the rest. Well, when Human Nature began singing some 20 plus years ago, they first started out performing Christmas Carols on their neighborhood street corner. Adding to the enchantment of this CD is the fact that this is the first holiday collection they have ever recorded. Therefore, they have taken great care in presenting a magnificent assortment of tunes and they know how to put the jolly in the party. Lastly but certainly not least, these gentlemen can sing and they are the crème de la crème of harmonization!
“White Christmas” is the first track and it is a superb way to set the mood. The outstanding arrangement on “Silent Night/Oh Holy Night” is exceptional. It is by far the best I have ever heard. A touch of Doo-Wop magic is added to “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” – it is perfect! Their interpretation of “Amazing Grace” is highly emotive – simply awesome! Joining Human Nature on this project are Smokey Robinson (“Please Come Home For Christmas”), Robin Meade (“Sleigh Ride”) and The Prague Philharmonic Orchestra (“Human Nature Amazing Grace-My Chains Are Gone”). Human Nature has recorded an impressive Christmas CD that I am sure will be a holiday staple for many generations.

Track listing:  White Christmas; Christmas (Baby Please Come Home); Sleigh Ride; Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas; Winter Wonderland; Please come Home For Christmas; Silent Night/O Holy Night; Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer; Christmas without You; Give Love On Christmas Day; Santa Claus Is Coming To town; This Christmas; Human Nature (My Chains Are Gone); Mary’s Boy Child (Bonus Track).
Album personnel: Human Nature members – Andre Tierney; Mike Tierney; Phil Burton; Toby Allen. Special guests: Robin Meade; Smokey Robinson; The Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.

BY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
With Rick reluctant to sign the contract as CEO of Forrester Creations, Maya attempted to persuade his decision by offering to run the company with him.  John Forrester arrived for an unexpected visit with the intention of taking Eric with him on his next adventure. Caroline and Mya exchanged warnings and threats against each other regarding their pursuit of Rick. Hope grilled Ivy about her recent date with Liam. Eric called an impromptu company meeting to officially introduce Rick as Forrester Creations’ new CEO.  Knowing that Hope and Wyatt have an ultrasound appointment that afternoon, Quinn made it a point not to miss it. As his first order of business as head honcho, Rick made drastic personnel changes. Despite carrying mixed emotions about Ridge, Caroline planned to fight to get her marriage back on track.   The joy of seeing and hearing their baby on the sonogram for the first time was quickly overshadowed by Quinn’s presence. Concerned about their last interaction, Taylor made a surprise visit to Forrester Creations to check in on the mental well-being of Aly. Taylor became worried when she learned that Aly has been communicating with her late mother, Darla. Hope gave Wyatt the daunting task of getting Quinn to understand that she’s not welcome in their lives. Rick put Ridge and Caroline in their places when he let them know their positions within the newly structured company. Liam was apprehensive about his other traveling companions when Ivy invite him to join her on a business trip to Amsterdam. Maya attempted to reap the benefits of dating a Forrester AND the CEO of the company. En route to the Netherlands, Hope and Ivy agreed to leave the tension between them in Los Angeles for the sake of the new jewelry line. Knowing what Quinn was capable of, Deacon attempted to talk her out of making a trip to Amsterdam to interfere in Hope and Wyatt’s relationship. Sensing that Rick was having second thoughts about leaving Caroline, Maya did her best to remind him of her betrayal and the reasons why he should end his marriage.
THIS WEEK: Carter gives Caroline insight into Maya’s motives and what she’s thinking in regards to Rick. Quinn convinces Wyatt to do her bidding for her.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Brady angrily confronted Kristen over what he witnessed. Theresa made a huge confession. Bev stirred up major trouble for Paige and JJ. Hope questioned Aiden after spying him with Bree. Pushed to the edge, Kristen made ominous plans regarding Theresa. Eve received devastating news. Paige and JJ had a huge blowup over JJ’s lies. Ben’s dreams were dashed thanks to Chad. JJ committed a shocking act. Brady and Daniel got into a huge fight over Kristen. Theresa found herself in danger. Chad pushed Ben’s buttons, which led to violence. Kristen left Salem but not before pulling off one last jaw-dropping stunt. JJ feared Paige’s about to learn the truth. Daniel and Nicole inched their way towards mending their friendship. Abigail bristled when Ben warned that Chad’s playing her. Jordan showed up at Clyde’s hotel room with a gun! JJ and Paige reconciled, but JJ secretly feared his mistake might come back to haunt him. Abigail was surprised when she learned what Chad had done for her.
THIS WEEK: Daniel gets a hush-hush new patient. Abigail feels a bit conflicted and guilty.
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Franco made an announcement at the wedding. Nina took her revenge to the next level and spiraled out of control. Later in the day, Silas cornered Madeline and asked her if she knows where to find Nina.  While Sonny discussed his next moves with Morgan, a gunshot went off and someone got shot. Anna gave Duke a chance to come clean. Liz offered to help Jake. Michael was blindsided with some new information. Sonny and Morgan speculated who might be behind the recent shooting. Shawn and Jordan’s lives were at stake. Ava’s baby was at risk. Silas and Nathan might have a new lead on Nina’s whereabouts. Carly provoked Franco, unaware that he was about to conspire the next part of his scheme. Scott welcomed an opportunity to bring someone down. Dante sensed something’s wrong with Michael.  Morgan encouraged Sonny to reconsider his plan. Ava disclosed some surprising information to Nina about her past. Silas analyzed what happened to his relationship with Sam.  Julian professed he will do anything to protect Alexis and his family. Ava was horrified when she ran into Sonny. Morgan shared some startling information to Kiki.  Duke was troubled about the repercussions of his false Alibi, and how this could affect his relationship with Anna. Franco revealed a bombshell to his co-conspirator. Michael tracked down Sonny and confronted him. Morgan and Dante feared the worst. Silas told Nathan the realities of Nina’s psychosis. Madeline tried to reason with Nina.  Anna made some intrepid career choices.
THIS WEEK: Bobbie wonders if Lucy is developing a crush on Duke. Franco calls Nina and his actions continue to be unpredictable.
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Victor went to Jack’s home to see Phyllis, but Jack blocked his entrance and demanded Victor tell him what he found out. Nick then showed up wanting to see Phyllis. Later, Jack planned on telling Phyllis about Kelly. Lauren surprised Michael with a sexy nurse costume, but Kevin interrupted. Later, Kevin surprised Michael at his office with Lauren and Fen. Fen noticed some tension, especially when Michael had to skip out of family time, saying he had a meeting. Later, Kevin watched as Michael talked to an attractive woman. Cane warned Joe not to get into business with Colin. Joe then wondered if Victor messed with Cane’s confidence and that’s why he’s working at a hotel. Victoria wanted to know what Nikki intended to say to her about Stitch. Meanwhile, Stitch told Kelly that he needs to find their mother because big things are going to change. Billy found the handkerchief that belonged to Adam’s mother and asked Chelsea what she’s hiding from him. Chelsea explained that she left it at the church when she said goodbye to Adam but had no idea how it showed back up at their home.
THIS WEEK: Billy presses Chelsea for answers. Fen questions what’s going on with Michael.