ATLANTA, Ga. – Marching band fans from across the country poured into Atlanta’s Georgia Dome on Saturday to celebrate the 12th annual Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) Invitational Showcase, and to witness firsthand the dynamic ensemble of music, choreography and showmanship displayed by eight of the nation’s premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) marching bands. Fans also experienced a live performance by Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist, Big Sean.
For three hours, marching band enthusiasts were treated to eight electric performances from Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Bethune-Cookman University, Morehouse College, North Carolina A&T University, South Carolina State University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Winston-Salem State University. Big Sean wowed the crowd at half-time, with a half-hour performance of his hit singles. For the first time, fans participated in a text-to-vote selection of the “Fan Favorite” and the winner was North Carolina A&T University.
As a continuation of Honda’s 2013 “Best Yourself” campaign featuring Nick Cannon, three fans and their guests were awarded an all-expense paid trip to the 2014 Honda Battle of the Bands, plus the chance to win the newly launched 2014 Honda Civic. Finalists were chosen as part of the #HBOBfame contest, which asked contestants to showcase the talent of their choice in a 15-second Instagram video that best embodied this year’s Honda’s Battle of the Bands theme, “Best Yourself.” One lucky fan’s performance rose above the rest. Singer Antenica “Nica Nashae” Smith, of Kennesaw State University, drove away in an all-new 2014 Honda Civic.
“The Honda Battle of the Bands continues to support HBCU music education programs across the nation, while producing an entertaining show that never fails to get fans to their feet,” said Gina Jorge, head of Multicultural Marketing for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “We are honored to showcase this incredible musical talent, and are dedicated to sustaining music education at these institutions, through the grants awarded to each participating university.” Widely known as “The Honda,” The Honda Battle of the Bands was created to celebrate, support and recognize the excellence of Black college marching bands and the unique academic experience offered by HBCUs. The participating eight marching bands each received a $20,000 grant for their school’s music education programs from Honda, along with an all-expense paid trip to Atlanta, to perform at the 2014 Invitational Showcase.
Fans can connect with the Honda Battle of the Bands by using the official hashtag, #HBOB, and via social media:
• Facebook – Facebook.com/HondaBattleOfTheBands
• Twitter – @The_Honda / Twitter.com/The_Honda
• YouTube – YouTube.com/hondabotb
• Instagram – @the_honda
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Alabama State University men’s and women’s track and field program shined at the Tennessee State University Invite highlighted by 25 top-five finishes.
“I am very pleased with today’s results,” said head coach Ritchie Beene. “It was an overall good day; a lot of our athletes set personal best and had great performances at this meet.”
Artrailia Lesane kicked off the day for the Lady Hornets finishing fifth in the mile run crossing the line in 5:12.62 while teammate Paige Rankine competed in the 5,000m race placing second overall (17:52.16).
Alicia Terrell had a strong meet with a fifth place overall finish in the high jump 1.68m (5-06.00).
In the 55m dash Latrice Lee led the way with a third place finish (7.15), followed by teammate Dikerria Wilson placing fifth in 7.18. Alexis Ferebee finished third in the 200m crossing the line in 24.93, Lee also finished sixth in the same event (25.54).
Kimberly Wedderburn led the way in the 400m for ASU finishing third in 55.95, Tatiana Etienne finished fourth (56.35) and Santina Williams in fifth (56.48) in the same event.
Shantia Wilson finished first in the women’s 800m race as she won the event in 2:16.19.
Thrower Imani White had a strong second place finish in the women’s weight throw with a 17.10m (56-01.25) toss, teammate Mia Mike finished fourth in the same event with a 16.21m (53-02.25). Johnetta Williams finished third in the shot put with a 13.72m (45-00.25) throw.
The Lady Hornets closed their day out with two 4x400m relay teams’ impressive finishes in first and fourth place, crossing the line in a season’s best 3:42.54 and in 3:53.84.
Throwers Roshaine Byfield and Lee Thrasher led the way for the men’s team. Byfield finished first in the shot put with a 14.92m (48-11.50) toss, Thrasher in the same event finished second with a 14.15m (46-05.25). Thrasher also, finished second in the weight throw with a 17.10m (56-01.25) strike, teammate Harry Rhodes had a fifth place finish in the same event with a 13.90m (45-07.25).
Byron Kearney leaped a 14.62m (47-11.75) to finish third in the triple jump event. Christopher Amisial finished fifth in the pole vault with a 3.86m (12-08.00) mark. Devauntay Brown finished fifth in the high jump with a 2.03m (6-08) mark.
Carlos Flores had a fifth place finish in the 800m run crossing the line in 1:59.49, while Ryan Hall had a strong showing in the 200m placing fifth as well in 22.35.
ASU ended the meet with a third place finish in the 4x400m relay crossing the line in 3:19.29.
“I am especially proud of both the men’s and women’s 4x400m relay teams,” said Beene. “They both had a solid close to the meet with men finishing third and the ladies setting a new indoor school record which was a positive.”
“We will go back and evaluate the meet as a staff and make the necessary adjustments as we prepare for our upcoming meet next weekend,” said Beene.
ASU will now enter the final stretch of their indoor season set to compete next in the Samford Multi Invitational on Feb.8th-9th in Birmingham, Ala.
MONTGOMERY- The Alabama State baseball team closed out its first week of practice Friday, in preparations for the 2014 season opener against Eastern Kentucky.
Head Coach Mervyl Melendez has been making sure that his team has been concentrating on pitching and different defensive aspects.
“Two of our biggest components are pitching and defense,” Melendez said. “Those two parts have to be sharp for us. Today was a perfect example of what happens when our pitchers throw strikes and play solid defense, overall today I was pleased with what we were able to accomplish.”
A big focal point of the team this year is making sure the team grasps all of the game time defensive situations.
“We’ve covered a lot of defensive situations and today’s practice showed, that the things we’ve have been working on will pay dividends,” Melendez said.
Two parts to a winning system are team chemistry and togetherness and with the season still young the Hornets are gelling well.
“That’s an important aspect of a team, how well the guys gel together,” Melendez said. “This is a very tight unit, our players believe in each other and when you do that you tend to play harder not only for yourself, but for everyone else. It has been this way the whole year and I expect it to continue that way.”
MONTGOMERY- For the second day of practice the baseball team focused its attention on defense.
“Today we wanted to see a lot of concentration on the defensive side,” Head Coach Meryl Melendez said. “Today I thought that focus and intensity in practice was positive.”
This year the Hornets will play a rigorous schedule with stops at Pacific, Auburn and Miami just to name a few. Starting Feb. 14 the team will have every weekend booked for the next two and half months as they work towards claiming the conference crown.
“I think it’s important for these guys to understand early that they’re not going to have many breaks once the season starts,” Melendez said. “They’re going to play a very competitive schedule; you’re going to have to show up day in and day out. The schedule is designed to bring out the consistency of these players and this team.”
In order to play at the level in which Coach Melendez expects, it will take a laser beam focus every day on the diamond.
“I believe that if we approach each game with a right level of focus and intensity we will see a lot of positive results,” Melendez said.
The Alabama Youth Wrestling Championship was held on February 1, at Vestavia High School. Matthew is a member of Alabama Wrestling Club. In his final match he was victorious to pull off his 5th consecutive win under the coaching staff of Rod Gaddy and Jake Elkins.
Two evening parades, two on Fat Tuesday and one boat parade, round out the Carnival season
GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – “It’s only natural that our family-oriented beach destination would showcase equally family-friendly Mardi Gras parades,” said Joanie Flynn, vice president of marketing at Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (GSBOT). “Everyone from little children to our winter visitors takes part in the fun of our five island parades and experiences a whole different state of revelry.”
The Mystical Order of Mirams kick off the island parades on Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. The merriment begins at Wintzell’s (on Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach) and ends at state Highway 161.
Continuing the fun the following evening (March 1), the Mystics of Pleasure take to the streets at 5:30 p.m. This krewe also begins at Wintzell’s and ends at Perdido Dunes in Orange Beach.
On Fat Tuesday (March 4), three daytime parades will occur on Pleasure Island.
The Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade begins at 10 a.m. and runs along state Highway 59 from Clubhouse Drive south to the Main Public Beach.
Then at 1:30 p.m., the Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade starts at Wintzell’s and ends at Ala. Highway 161.
As the good times continue to roll, check out the 10th Annual LuLu’s Mardi Gras Boat Parade, which departs at 3 p.m. from The Wharf and travels west along the Intracoastal Waterway to the restaurant. Meanwhile, the fun at LuLu’s starts with live music at 11 a.m. and following the parade at 5 p.m. Receive a complimentary slice of cake to celebrate the restaurant’s 15th anniversary.
In other related events, LuLu’s will also host its 2nd Annual Birds of Paradise Mardi Gras Ball on Feb. 26 from 7-10 p.m. Tickets to this 21 and older event include a buffet dinner, open bar and music from the Tip Tops. To purchase tickets, visit shop.lulubuffett.com/store/cat/TICKET/TICKETS.
There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home! My name isn’t Dorothy, I didn’t have ruby glass slippers, I didn’t have a cowardly lion to help build my courage nor a scarecrow to borrow knowledge and wisdom, and the Tin-man wasn’t around to give me heart. I was not in Oz – I was a prisoner in my car, along with thousands of other drivers on the skating rink of Interstate I-20 trying to make it home. I was the victim of the unexpected snowstorm that pounced on our state little more than a week ago.
I had decided to waive breakfast in order to make an early start to my morning meeting in Talladega and was anticipating a hearty lunch to satisfy my grumbling tummy. Little did I know, my junk food snack of a dated 16oz Mountain Dew and a family size bag of Cheese Curls which, was uncharacteristic of my normal meal plan would be my breakfast, lunch and dinner for this two day nightmare.
My meeting ended at 11:30a.m. and at 11:42a.m. after brushing the powdery snow off my windows I watched the soft and seemingly foreboding flakes blanket the ground and the other cars while I pulled out of the college parking lot. The travel was slow and slippery and then… all at once everything came to an abrupt and complete stop! My car was surrounded by 18 wheelers and I was unable to move – and there my adventure began.
Surely the road crew would clear the traffic block and I would be home in no time. Or was that just wishful thinking? 11:40a.m. elapsed into 4:44p.m. and 4:44p.m. swiftly became 9:48p.m. 9:48p.m. became 12:30a.m.
The hours dragged on and my vehicle became my home. It was a shelter from the freezing elements. With nothing to do but sit and think, I began to experience genuine feelings of fear. I didn’t know how long I would be stuck on the road and at the same time I was grateful that I had a home to go to when this adventure was over. I thought of the hundreds even thousands of people – families, teens, children who live in their cars, under bridges and in shelters not because they choose to, but because it is their lot in life.
As I sat restless, cold and hungry in my car the day turned into the black night. There were no lights on the road except those of the cars and trucks ahead and behind me. My cell phone had lost its charge and I had no means of communication with my family who were helpless to assist. The temperature had dropped to 19 degrees and in an effort to conserve my heat and gasoline supply, I tolerated the cold in intervals by keeping the engine off until my legs and hands started to feel numb. I had already witnessed many desperate drivers vacate their cars to walk the perilous, dark and icy stretch of I-20 in search of fuel.
This experience provided me an unmatched level of compassion for those whose daily existence revolves around the circumstances of homelessness. For many, my two day experience is a way of life; a result of poor choices or a series of unfortunate events.
Nevertheless, no matter the reason – for this moment I was in their world. When I left for my meeting at 8a.m. I was dressed in a black corporate fitted suit with a starched white collar shirt, shiny black heels, pearls adorned my neck and ears, and my make-up was flawless. I was polished and the epitome of confidence. At the conclusion of my more than 14 hours in my car I had reduced my wardrobe to the mismatched pieces of clothing I had in the trunk; a pink silk scarf to cover my head and ears, white tube socks, canvas sneakers slipped on over my hosiery, an over-sized sweatshirt and a black wool scarf to warm my exposed neck. These make-shift clothing pieces replaced the stylish black corporate attire. The multiple runs in my pantyhose which started at my cold toes were like marathon runners who found their last burst of energy and were sprinting to the finish line towards my hips. The liquid foundation and powder make-up had been absorbed into my skin hours before; my eyes resembled those of a raccoon as a result of smeared mascara.I had long since licked off the remains of my lipstick and I no longer resembled the woman who at 8a.m. had expectancy and success by the tail.
My gas needle was dropping and I had no one to impress except the stuck drivers in the adjacent cars and trucks who couldn’t care less about the woman who emerged at 8a.m. Their only concern was about their own safety and the loved ones they had waiting At Home. Captive, and totally at the mercy of whatever traffic accident or tragedy was ahead of me, I began to think – how many people who were homeless, living in their cars or a shelter once wore corporate black suits and had a destiny. How many had dreams and a vision of success? Which one of them thought that they would ever encounter a storm of adversity that would change their circumstances or situation not just for hours, but for a lifetime? When I got into my car this morning I was full of courage and anticipation of what great things I would accomplish that day but was instantly reminded of how quickly one incident or choice could alter my life. At that moment fear gripped me so tightly and I was unsure of what to do next….
Read next week’s article about my life changing shelter experience.
“I don’t have all the answers, but I know the one who does.”
Find me at www.Athomewithshellie.com.
Got outstanding parking tickets? The Birmingham City Council has approved a Parking Ticket Amnesty Program. It’s your golden ticket to pay the face value of unpaid traffic, parking and non-moving violations.
The Parking Ticket Amnesty Program will run from February 3, 2014 through March 31, 2014 and past due ticket holders can clear their records without further monetary penalty or threat of arrest.
“This is a win-win for those with outstanding tickets and the city. The city could collect hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid fines,” said Councilor Steven Hoyt, chair of the Public Safety Committee.
The amnesty period will run from February 3, 2014 through March 31, 2014. During that period, Municipal Court hours will extend from the usual hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays, except holidays. Beginning March 1, 2014, the Municipal Court will open from 8:00 a.m. to 12 Noon on Saturdays.
“The bottom-line is some people simply don’t have it or don’t want to pay the fines they have and this is an opportunity for us to give them an option to pay without significant penalty” said Judge Andre Sparks.
The Birmingham City Council is the legislative branch of Birmingham city government as defined by the Mayor-Council Act of the State of Alabama. All official actions must be approved by a majority vote of the Council during its regular meeting at 9:30 each Tuesday morning.
Here are the TOP THREE THINGS on my list…for this week and coming soon!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LeBOISE DeRU, JR.!!
UNCF MASKED GALA – MARCH 8th!!
TERRI J. VAUGHN in Birmingham, this weekend…DON’T MISS…Terri J. Vaughn as Celebrity host of the 2014 SICKLE CELL GALA at the Sheraton Hotel, this Saturday, at the Sheraton Hotel, downtown. Terri J. Vaughn is an actress and prodeucer, performing in guest starring and co-starring roles is such projects as “Living Single”, “Friday”, “ER”, “Girlfriends,” “Soul Food”, “Meet the Browns” and high school secretary, Lovita Alixe Jenkins-Robinson on the “Steve Harvey Show”. See you there!
DON”T MISS…. NEXT THURSDAY….STAND! UNTOLD STORIES FROM THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT – The definitive documentary chronicling the key events that led to the demonstrations in Birmingham in 1963. STAND! Spotlights the pivotal roles played by the students of Miles College in the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement, namely the creation and execution of The Selective Buying Campaign of 1962. ‘STAND! Untold Stories From the Civil Rights Movements’ airs next Thursday at 9 p.m. on Alabama Public Television (APT-WBIQ).
PRATT CITY LIBRARY REOPENS – The Pratt City Branch Library, which was severely damaged in an April 27, 2011 tornado, has been rebuilt and will reopen on Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. with a grand reopening ceremony and reception. A new library feature is a storm shelter with reinforced concrete walls. During the Jan. 30 reopening ceremony, Mayor William A. Bell, Sr., U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, city council members are scheduled to speak. The public is invited to attend. Other features include a terrazzo floor marked with major Pratt City landmarks, new study rooms, a business center and youth and teen areas accented with bright and inviting colors. The branch’s collection has more than 7, 000 items. The library is at Dugan Avenue and Hibernian Street.
FOR ART LOVERS…
ORIGINAL WORKS OF ART BY DR. ART BACON – Heritage Hall in Talladega,Alabama will present “Subjects of Choice”, Original Works of Art by Dr. Art Bacon, Sunday, reception 2 – 3:30 p.m. and a closing date of February 28. Jemison Carnegie Heritage Hall is located at 200 South Street, East, Talladega, Alabama. Tell them Gwen sent you. SCOTTSBORO BOYS – The Fred Hiroshige Photographs, with Robin D. G. Kelley, a Gary B. Nash Professor of American History at UCLA, on February 6, 7 p.m. at the Gorgas Library 205 and a RECEPTION, February 7, 5 – 7 p.m. with a talk by Dan T. Carter, author of “Scottsboro: A Tragedy of the American South with special guest: Sheila Washington, Director of the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center. The exhibit ends on February 21 at the Paul R. Jones Gallery, 2308 Sixth Street Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401. Call (205) 345-3038 for more.
HERE ARE A FEW MORE THINGS GOING ON…THIS WEEKEND….
**HENRY CHO at the STARDOME COMEDY CLUB. Comedy Central Special “What’s That Clickin Noise” Making the most of who Henry is has not been a problem. “I’m an Asian with a southern accent,” remarks Cho. “To a lot of people, that right there is funny!” Cho’s many other comedy credits include NBC’s “Bob Hope’s Young Comedians Special,” MTV’s “1/2 Hour Comedy Hour” and VH-1’s “Stand-up Spotlight.”
THEN, AT THE STARDOME… DON’T MISS… next week, weekend, on JOHN CAPARULO on February 6-9, WENDY LIEBMAN on February 13-16, CHRIS TUCKER on February 21-23, KILLER BEAZ on February 25-26, TIM WILSON on February 28 – March 1, KILLER BEAZ on March 4-5, DONNELL RAWLINGS on March 6 – 9, SHERRI SHEPARD on March 21-22, BOBBY SLAYTON on March 28 – 29 and JON REEP on April 4 – 5. Tell Bruce that Gwen sent you. Enjoy some good laughter and fun times while you eat some great food with your friends. See you there! For more, call (205) 444-0008.
TODAY…
**STEVE ROBERTS QUARTET with ASHLEY ROBERTS, 8 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
**MUSIC with DJ BATMAN…at the New Tide and Tiger!!
FRIDAY…
**FRIDAY AFTER WORK, 4:30 – 9:30 p.m., at 25 West Oxmoor Road, Suite 26 in Homewood. Call (205) 572-1295 for more.
**BONUS ROUND, 10 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room. Call (205) 320-7006 for more.
**MUSIC with DJ BATMAN…at the New Tide and Tiger!!
SATURDAY…
**BIG TASTIES, 10 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
**MUSIC with DJ MIKE THE ENTERTAINMENT…at the New Tide and Tiger!!
SUNDAY….
**PHASE II BAND AND SHOW, 9 p.m. at Tide & Tiger Lounge, 409 Graymont Avenue (across from Legion Field.) For more, call (205) 229-4829 or 502-3880.
MONDAY….
**NAPPY NIGHT – Music at Boujee Lounge, every Monday at 204 Avenue U in Pratt City, 8 p.m. with good jerk food, vendors and music. See you there on Mondays!
TUESDAY…
**MUSIC with DJ LARRY LOVE…at the New Tide and Tiger!!
FEBRUARY 8 – The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Birmingham Metropolitan Chapter presents a Mardi Gras Brunch, Saturday, the 8th of February, 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., at Boutwell Municipal Auditorium, Exhibition Hall, 1930 8th Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. This event will include eating, a short program, honoring a number of individuals of the community, participating in the New Orleans Second Line with continued dancing until you get tired. The NCBW 100, Birmingham Metropolitan Chapter is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Call (205) 980-0714 or (205) 515-0791 (cell).
FEBRUARY 9 – The Annual Stillman College Sunday at Westminster Presbyterian Church will be held at 3 p.m., at Westminster, 20 Sixth Avenue, S.W. Call (205) 925-9373 or 305-3858 for more.
FEBRUARY 13 – VULCAN SCRAMBLE COMPETITION –The Vulcan Scramble Screening is a part of the Vulcan Park’s Birmingham Revealed Series. You can register at www.sidewalkfest.com.
FEBRUARY 14 – “THE BEST CHEAP DATE EVER” – Bennie Mac & DA UNDERGROUND ALLSTARS® present: Comedy Series 15 “It’s Valentine Day, I Got A Cheap Gift, & I Gots To Take Dis $hit Back Edition featuring some of the funniest comics in the South! Comedienne Vanessa, Marlan Ballard, J-Shipp, & Jacques 2 Loose West. Hosted by Bennie Mac the doors open at 7 p.m. and show starts at 8 in the DK’s Event Center at 801 Fourth Avenue North. Free Scrumptious Buffet & Drinks. Call (205) 585-7273 for more with shows in your neighborhood: January 27 – Hattiesburg, MS at the Keg and Barrel, January 28 in Jackson, MS at the Fenian’s Pub, February 2 in Mobile, AL at The Crescent Theater and February 4 in Auburn, AL at the Stir Auburn.
FEBRUARY 15 – C-SERIES LUNCH AND LEARN with music, art and discussion to the movie MANDELA – Long Walk to Freedom, noon – 4 p.m. at the 16th Street Baptist Church.
FEBRUARY 16-18 – THE A.G. GASTON CONFERENCE at the BJCC.
FEBRUARY 28 – MARCH 1 – 2014 LADIES OF ROYALTY – Women’s Business & Empowerment Conference at the BJCC, East Ballroom A will empower women for business and equip women for life. Call (205) 563-6344 for more.
MARCH 8 – UNCF MASKED BALL GALA, 6 p.m. at the Sheraton Birmingham Ballroom.
MARCH 29 – THIRD ANNUAL NATURAL HAIR AND HEATLTH EXPO. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the BJCC North Exhibition Hall.
NOW…. a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT FOR JANUARY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU DR. JESSE J. LEWIS, SR., LeBOISE DeRU, JR., SENATOR LINDA COLEMAN, BETTINA BYRD-GILES, RENEE KEMP-ROTAN, DRU HARRIS EALONS, CHUCK GEISS, JAMES WILLIAMS, KYLE WHITMIRE, WILLIAM BARNES, HAROLD COX, PHYLLIS CONNELL, AUDREY PERRINE, LOUISE WASHINGTON and CYNTHIA WILLIAMS…AND TO ALL CELEBRATING!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL YOU BIRTHDAY BALLERS…MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!! ENJOY!!
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)
Former Miss USA and Ex-Wife of Blink-182’s Travis Barker Brings Energy and Enthusiasm to Cast that Includes Nicole Murphy, Jessica Canseco and Others
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2014) – Former Miss USA, actress/model Shanna Moakler is joining VH1’s highly popular reality series “Hollywood Exes” this season. The show is set to premiere April 30.
“I’ve been a big fan of the show so I’m ecstatic to join the cast and work with some very creative people, both in front of and behind the camera,” Moakler said.
The show examines the lives of women who have endured high-profile divorces from some of Hollywood’s most important figures.
“We’re excited and thrilled to have Shanna join the cast of ‘Hollywood Exes’ and provide her unique humor, energy and enthusiasm,” said Lisa Shannon, the show’s executive producer.
With acting credits in a variety of films such as “Big Momma’s House 2,” “Love Stinks,” “The Wedding Singer” and such series as “The Glades,” “NCIS,” “Entourage” and many others, Moakler is perhaps best known for the 2005-06 hit MTV reality series “Meet the Barkers” which chronicled her life and that of then husband and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker.
The new season of “Hollywood Exes,” set to air this spring, will feature Moakler, Nicole Murphy (former wife of Eddie Murphy), Liz Bonds (Barry Bonds), Mayte Garcia, (Prince), Jessica Canseco (Jose Canseco), Sheree Fletcher (Will Smith) and Daphne Wayans (Keenen Ivory Wayans).
“Having gone through a divorce myself, I feel that I have things to contribute to the show’s discussion of divorce and its impact on families, whether you’re a famous person or not,” Moakler said.
Having begun modeling at age 15, former Playboy Playmate and reality star, Moakler first came to public attention as the winner of the Miss New York USA beauty pageant in 1995 before being crowned Miss USA that same year. Moakler has continued her work with Miss USA by serving as executive producer of the Miss Nevada USA state pageant taking place this month.
Besides her work in pageants and entertainment, Moakler is also a successful businesswoman with her popular line of makeup products, Smoak Cosmetics and her new clothing line set to debut later this year.
“Hollywood Exes” is executive produced by Pam Healey, Lisa Shannon and Leah Hariton for Shed Media US. Vernon Lynch and Jeff Dyson for Lynch-Dyson Entertainment also serve as executive producers. Nicole Murphy is executive producer. Susan Levison, Jill Holmes, and Laurel Stier are executive producers for VH1.
