Wednesday, May 29, 2013

VISION/VOICE/VARION "REWIND"--Minutes from Center Stage: Terry Townsend



MISSED IT?  Here's your second look at VISION/VOICE/VARION's exclusive interview with Terry Townsend only minutes before hitting "center stage!"  Sunday, the inspirational/gospel artist kicked off the Memorial Day Holiday with his official CD RELEASE/LISTENING PARTY and rocked music fans out of their seat as he performed his title track, "A Mutual Love Affair" and Shadows of The Cross from his first CD "The Blessed Project" released in 2000.

To find out more about Terry Townsend and to grab your copy of "A Mutual Love Affair," switch now to his official website: www.terrytownsend.net


Monday, May 27, 2013

FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE!


DYING TO BE FREE  

Never Forget Those Who Made The Ultimate Sacrifice! 

MEMORIAL DAY 2013


FILE PHOTO--AP

(Huntsville, AL)--The liberties we all enjoy today were paid in full by some brave service men and women who gave their all.  It's so important to remember the service and sacrifice members of our Armed Services make everyday BEFORE you sit down to enjoy the luxury of a bar-b-que with family and friends today.


ITS OFFICIAL, A MUTUAL LOVE AFFAIR IS TRULY A "BLESSED PROJECT!"

Terry Townsend's CD RELEASE/LISTENING PARTY--May 26, 2013

(Huntsville, AL.)--Great Event!  Huge success!  Wow, what a blast. I got such a kick out of watching Terry Townsend, a soft spoken, humble man come out of his shell last night during his official CD Release and Listening Party for his brand new project entitled ‘A Mutual Love Affair!’  

For months I've been telling you about this forthcoming project. Last night, after much anticipation  Townsend performed the title track and two other songs from his previous CD, "The Blessed Project" before a standing room only crowd.  He looked and sounded like a million bucks dressed in a bright red jacket that instantly cued everyone in on who was the "real star" in the room.  

It was my first time seeing this "regular guy" tap into his "super-star" alter ego. For months we worked together, side-by-side promoting and campaigning support for the release of this new project. After all that time, it finally hit me I had never heard Terry Townsend 'hum"or sing a single note.

Last night he stepped up to the microphone and literally blew everyone away in the room, including his music producer and friend Kelvin Wooten of "Django Unchained" fame.  "I almost forgot how passionate Terry is about his music and honestly it's been about seven years since I've seen him sing before we started rehearsals for tonight almost three weeks ago." Nice endorsement from the Alabama based musician whose ‘star power’ is "rising" in Hollywood. 

Kelvin Wooten is a Grammy-nominated producer who earned fame in Tinseltown with "Freedom," a single on The Django Unchained movie soundtrack. "Freedom," recorded in Athens is a duet performed by R&B mega-star and Grammy Award winning singer Anthony Hamilton and newcomer Elayna Boynton.

Much like Hamilton, Townsend’s roots are grounded in gospel music. In the early years he performed in several different quartets and worked as a background singer on projects connected to everyone from Oprah Winfrey, Mary J. Blige, Patty Austin and Michael McDonald. 

Over the years those performances took a back seat to him simply being a businessman, a loving husband, father and grandfather. Today, there has clearly been an "awakening" for this humble electrician because he looked comfortable and right at home as he took ‘center stage!’

After 13 years Townsend is writing a new chapter in his rich history with gospel music. The success of his sophomore project is based on the right combination of talent and growth vocally. 'A Mutual Love Affair' is a rich, sultry duet performed by Alexandria Thomas and co-written by Canita Rogers.  The title track has a tremendous amount of crossover appeal and is already getting airplay on jazz and R&B radio stations in the U.S. and the UK.  ‘Whatsoever’ is an up-tempo single on the album that is also sure to be a hit with music fans.

It was especially rewarding to see the support Townsend received from other independent rising stars. Daniel Beard, Kenn Orr and Shekina N Glory were just a few of the industry insiders packed into the intimate setting at The Reserve at Research Park Club House.  

The clubhouse which is a breath taking glass-donned building showcased right in the center of this exclusive complex was a beautiful backdrop for the performances of other specially invited guests; including Comedienne Joy who served as emcee, Spoken Word artist Kimeko Farrar, Jazz Saxophonist Dr. Reginald Jackson a Ameia Davis, a 15 year old praise dancer who performed as Townsend sang "Shadow of the Cross" from his first CD, "The Blessed Project!"

I simply can't wait to see the 'memorable moments' captured by featured photographer Richie Carter of Richie Carter Photography.  Carter made certain everyone was "red carpet ready" as they entered the building.

Townsend's longtime friend and colleague Minister Fred Whitlow, of the "NO MORE DIRTY," a local cable public affairs television show has also cheered Terry Townsend on for months leading up to last night's command performance.

After 4 months of hanging out, posting, blogging, twitting, following and "LIKING" Townsend's social media campaign--I have no doubt he will have much success with "A Mutual Love Affair."  It is a BLESSED PROJECT, indeed!  Hats off to you buddy!




GO GRAB A COPY OF TERRY TOWNSEND'S "A MUTUAL LOVE AFFAIR" from his official website Terry Townsend Music, you will be glad you did.







Thursday, May 9, 2013

A MOTHER'S DAY EVENING WITH ANTHONY HAMILTON

Photo Courtesy: "E Photo" aka Elpwe's Photography

MAKE HER MOTHER'S DAY!

(Huntsville, AL.)--Huntsville and surrounding area, it's an event that promises to be a night to remember.  Grammy winning R& B recording artist Anthony Hamilton will be performing live in concert with his full band, the Sunday May 12th at the Von Braun Center at 7pm. 

Check out Huntsville Times preview to Hamilton's concert, plus the special "Alabama Connection" to his award winning hits.  Reporter Matt Wake has a preview to Anthony Hamilton's forthcoming Christmas CD, plus fills you in on Kelvin Wooten, "the man behind the music" that's influencing the national music scene.




CHECK OUT MATT WAKE'S STORY AS IT APPEARS IN THE HUNTSVILLE TIMES


CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT HSV TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC SCHULTZ'S GALLERY: ESCHULTZ@AL.COM--http://photos.al.com/4462/gallery/anthony_hamilton_rammy-winning_rb_singer_031013/index.html#/2






Monday, May 6, 2013

ALL NEW: NEW ORLEANS' OWN GINA BROWN SLATED TO KICK OFF ESSENCE MUSIC FEST 2013

ESSENCE MUSIC FEST-FIRST EVER "FAMILY REUNION DAY!"


(New Orleans, LA.)--Gina Brown's got a secret, but I'm spilling the beans!  That's right, ALL NEW my girl and best friend will be one of the featured artists kicking off the annual ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL in New Orleans. This year event organizers announce the first ever "Family Reunion Day!" Essence Fest 2013 features Beyonce', Charlie Wilson, Maxwell, New Edition-just to name a few.  But, before these legendary artists can take center stage, first you'll be rocked out of your seat and dance in the isles with New Orleans' rising star Gina Brown.
Gina Brown, featuring Anutha Level will kick off the "four day music festival July 4th with a day designed with families in mind.  The fire works July 4th will not be limited to the skyline of downtown New Orleans, but with some of the best local artists "The Big Easy" has to offer. 

It's going to be explosive!  Essence Music Fest kicks off July 4th and ends on my birthday July 7th!  YES! You know I'm over the moon because I will spend another birthday and another season covering one of my favorite events with one of the hardest working women in the industry, Gina Brown.
Gina Brown- W&A File Photo

If you haven't been, just know there's nothing like ESSENCE FEST!  For more than 16 years this annual event has attracted music lovers from all around the world to the Crescent City and Gina Brown is definitely the entertainer to take it from hot to "sizzzlllling!" The addition of the "Family Reunion Day" is a great way to ensure there's something for everyone!

The addition of the "Family Reunion Day" is timely and what's a family reunion without "The Electric Slide, The Cupid Shuffle or The Wobble?" Brace yourself--ALL NEW 
The "G-Slide" a critically acclaimed single and line dance that's gaining Brown critical acclaim on the R&B and Southern Soul charts will be just one of the singles this New Orleans based entertainer will perform live.  "G's Spot" has been climbing the blues charts since November 2012 and Gina Brown is sure to take the party to"another level" as leads off what's being billed as "the event of the summer."  

ESSENCE MUSIC FEST-201---Photo: "E"Photo

Since 2010, 'VISION/VOICE/VARION" has been your exclusive "all access" backstage pass all of the exclusive interviews, red carpet arrivals, music and this year is no exception! Book your flight and purchase your tickets today, you won't be disappointed. ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2013...."it's going to be epic!"

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS ON ESSENCE FEST and THE FAMILY REUNION WEEKEND:  http://www.essence.com/2013/04/18/essence-festival-announces-first-ever-family-reunion-day


CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT ESSENCE FEST MUSIC LINE-UP: