ACTRESS CHUTI TIU JOINS CAST OF "NASHVILLE"

"BRAINS AND BEAUTY!"

All I can say is, "look at her now!" Little girls do grow up! If you lived in Mobile, Alabama during the 1980's; perhaps you remember the pageant that put The Port City on the map for years, "America's Jr. Miss." 

Today, operating as the "Distinguished Young Women" Scholastic Competition, high school seniors from across the nation come to Mobile for the coveted title. In 1987, Wisconsin's Chuti Tiu was no exception, in fact, she was extraordinary!   

Chuti was the first young woman of color to win the title in organization's history. I remember her because as a woman of Asian decent she represented change, hope, and possibilities!

More than 20 years later, what would be the chances of me running into this beautiful spirit in STARBUCKS in Chattanooga, TN?  Nearly impossible. 

Back in the late 1980's, while a college freshman working as a member of the production staff at WALA-TV, I was running one of the production cameras at The Mobile Civic Center; and I remember her win created quite a buzz in the building and in the city. It was historic. 

In a busy Chattanooga STARBUCKS, 25 years later, here we were talking for almost an hour as she studied a script for an upcoming segment on the popular show "NASHVILLE!"  

Even today, this beauty/scholastic pageant winner is still showing why she's more than just another pretty face.  Look for Actress Chuti Tiu TONIGHT on the set of the popular ABC drama series "Nashville." Her character is expected to have a reoccurring role until April 4th.

As she was in 1987, she will be a "big hit" in 2016. 

ANTHONY HAMILTON TALKS NEW MUSIC AND NEW TOUR

ANTHONY HAMILTON TOUR WITH FANTASIA STARTS  APRIL 21ST!

"GOOD FOOD/GOOD MUSIC AT CRACKER BARREL"

(ATLANTA, GA.)-What goes better with a bowl of collard greens and fried chicken than soulful singer Anthony Hamilton?  The Grammy Award winner's new CD "What I'm Feelin," come featuring his new single "AMEN" is serving up a "delicious bonus" for fans at Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores nationally.  

Varion Walton has the "scoop" on the bonus track available at the "home-style cooking" restaurant,  plus details on his upcoming tour with American Idol Fantasia.

Anthony Hamilton's "new groove sound" on his 9th studio album is the focus of this week's VISION/VOICE/VARION EXCLUSIVE!  

PRESS PLAY AND CHECK OUT VARION'S STORY!

Chrisette Michele Opens Up About Living With PCOS

Chrisette Michele Opens Up About Living With PCOS: Whether it's to celebrate the newness of love, do the ugly cry in the dark to get over the pain of heartbreak or channel her unmatched badassery to live life unapologetically how you choose, there'...

2016 OUTLOOK

WALTON AND ASSOCIATES CELEBRATING 5 YEARS!

Our Continued Thanks

With the New Year, and our 5th year anniversary January 20th quickly approaching, I wish to express my sincere appreciation for your continued trust in Walton and Associates.

The Outlook for 2016

As we journey through 2016, we maintain a promising long-term outlook for our clients and associates. For nearly five years, we have remained committed to our founding principal of "helping you 'dream' fiercely and with reverence."

It’s our longtime promise of influencing the “NEXT GENERATION” of digital journalists that’s helped us to successfully represent talent throughout the United States. Because of our successes, we are excited about expanding further in 2016 and we look forward to you growing with us.

We Remain Committed-Five Years On

If you haven’t talked to our representatives at Walton and Associates lately, now is a great time to get personalized advice and guidance tailored to your unique needs. In 2016, we will be partnering with even larger markets and tapping into even more resources when it comes to the entertainment industry.

On behalf of Walton and Associates, I thank you again for your confidence in us and look forward to serving you in the next year and beyond.

Varion Walton

CEO & Principal Consultant

W&A …”guiding you to your DESTINY since 2011!”

ANGEL McCOUGHTRY AND THE WNBA'S "ATLANTA DREAM!"

"BELIEVING IN THE DREAM"

       

(Atlanta, GA.)  Atlanta Dream's Angel McCoughtry is a VISION/VOICE/VARION fan, what about you? Angel McCoughtry is “fiercely feminine,” skilled and a great example of NEVER giving up on your dreams!  #35 Angel McCoughtry is a star athlete with the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream. Angel will always be our best example that "you can make any DREAM come true, if you are willing to work hard enough to get it!"

Breaking records, racking up the most steals! Read more out this standout in the WNBA.  Click on the link below. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_McCoughtry

 

Courtesy: WNBA

Courtesy: WNBA 

UP CLOSE WITH RAHEEM DeVAUGHN-"LOVE, SEX, PASSION TOUR"

KING OF LOVE WORKING OVERTIME AGAINST "DOMESTIC VIOLENCE"

(Chattanooga, TN.)--October is Domestic Violence Month and no one is working harder to be "THE VOICE" of victims and survivors than R&B Singer Raheem DeVaughn.  PRESS PLAY and Check out Varion's candid talk with the singer minutes from the stage about why he's a "Single man on a Single Mission" to raise the awareness against Domestic Violence!  Spread the word, tell a friend VISION/VOICE/VARION..."always on, always connected!"

Track 29-Chattanooga, TN.

Photo Credit:  RollingOut.Com

STELLAR LINE-UP FOR JAZZANOOGA 2015

JAZZANOOGA'S "SUNDAY BEST!"

(Chattanooga, TN.)-Jazzanooga 2015 is almost in the history books, but now before one of the biggest headliners in the music festival's 4 year history takes center stage. Take 6 is the 10 time Grammy Award winning; multi-platinum selling,  ensemble celebrating 25 years in the industry with a stop in Chattanooga. Jazz and gospel lovers like VISION/VOICE/VARION applaud Jazzanooga organizers for truly "presenting their Sunday Best" with climax of the music festival.  The "smooth and sultry sounds" of Gretchen Parlato and Alan Hampton are also apart of the 2015 line-up.  

Photo Credit:  Jazzanooga.org

Jazzanooga started in 2010 as a one day community festival and has grown to a month-long celebration that honors and promotes Chattanooga as "the destination for arts and culture" during Jazz Appreciation Month in April.  Ticket sales support local youth Jazz education activities and music scholarships.

Gretchen Parlato  PHOTO CREDIT:  Jazzanooga.org

The April 26th performance will be held at The Robert Kirk Walker Community Theater, a smaller more intimate venue at the famed Memorial Auditorium. Organizers tell VISION/VOICE/VARION they are committed to making certain every single note of Jazzanooga 2015 is "savored" until the last performance.  Tickets are still available at the theater box office.  For more information on this incredible event that rivals New Orleans and Memphis in May visit:  www.jazzanooga.org.  

JAZZANOOGA EXTRA: Eric Roberson Improvises Song at Jazzanooga

(Chattanooga, TN.)  Eric Roberson is truly an incredible talent.  In addition to a "Biggie Smalls" melody, he asked the audience to participate and give hime 6 phases to add to an impromptu song.  PRESS PLAY and check out the results in this JAZZANOOGA EXTRA!

JAZZANOOGA 2015: ERIC ROBERSON

APRIL-JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH

(Chattanooga, TN.)--April is Jazz Appreciation Month and it has never sounded better!  For years music lovers have trekked to "Jazz Meccas" like New Orleans and Memphis.  Surprisingly, Chattanooga, Tennessee is making headlines as one of the top arts and culture destinations in the South. 

Since 2011 the final weekend of April has lured national and international recording headliners to The Scenic City.  Performances by Grammy winners Gregory Porter and Lalah Hathaway, American Idol Favorite Ruben Studdard and Independent Spirit Award Winner Avery Sunshine,  just to name a few.

Photo Credit: Eric Roberson Music

JAZZANOOGA 2015 promises to be bigger and better!  Several world reknowned recording artists like Take 6,  Eric Roberson and Gretchen Parlato are helping to solidify "The Choo Choo City" as one of the best spots for jazz enthusiasts looking to kick off the music festival season.

                                                

VISION/VOICE/VARION had the pleasure of an intimate chat with Eric Roberson only minutes from the stage at The Camp House in Downtown Chattanooga.  PRESS PLAY and find out why Varion says "Mister Nice Guy" shouldn't just be limited to the title of the Grammy-Nominated singer, songwriter's latest project.

PHOTO CREDIT: NICOLE BROWN

For more ticket information on Jazzanooga 2015, visit http://www.jazzanooga.org

Check Out The Stellar Awards Easter Sunday on TVOne

ASCAP MORNING GLORY RECEPTION

6^TH ANNUAL BREAKFAST RECEPTION HONORS 2015 STELLAR AWARDS NOMINEES  IN LAS VEGAS

PASTOR SMOKIE NORFUL AND THE WILLIAMS BROTHERS RECEIVED ASCAP SONGWRITER AWARDS  

Grammy Award Winner Michelle Williams hosted The 6th Annual ASCAP Morning Glory     

Photo Credit: George Bekich, Picture Group

(LAS VEGAS, NV— March 30, 2015) The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) honored some of gospel music’s most prestigious names at the 6th annual ASCAP Morning Glory Breakfast reception in Las Vegas, NV at The Orleans Hotel & Casino on March 28.  The breakfast, which was one of the premiere events leading up to the 30^th annual Stellar Awards, honored revered Pastor Smokie Norful with the ASCAP “Spirit of Song” Award, legendary quartet The Williams Brothers with the ASCAP “Gospel Icon” Award, and recognized a multitude of other 2015 Stellar Awards honorees.  Hosted by GRAMMY-Award winner Michelle Williams, the breakfast also featured special performances by powerhouse gospel recording artist Dorinda Clark-Cole and acclaimed male vocalist, William McDowell.

“We’re very excited to honor so many gospel greats and 2015 Stellar Award nominees at our annual Morning Glory Breakfast,” stated Nicole George-Middleton, ASCAP VP, Rhythm & Soul/Urban, who regretfully couldn't be in attendance, but left the event in the great hands of ASCAP Associate Directors Jennifer Goicoechea, Moya Nkruma, Joncier Rienecker and Director Jonathan Jones.

ASCAP’s honorees were also nominated for Stellar Awards: Pastor Smokie Norful for Artist of the Year, Contemporary CD of the Year – “Forever Yours,” Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year; and The Williams Brothers for Group/Duo of the Year, Quartet of the Year, Traditional Group/Duo of the Year.  Morning Glory Breakfast performer William McDowell was nominated for Praise and Worship CD of the Year – “Withholding Nothing,” Traditional CD of the Year – “Withholding Nothing,” and Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year.   

             

ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Director of Creative Services Jonathan Jones presents Pastor Smokie Norful with the ASCAP “Spirit of Song" Award.     Photo credit: George Bekich, PictureGroup

Also in attendance were other ASCAP Stellar Award nominees including Larry D. Trotter (Traditional Choir of the Year), Charles Butler (Contemporary Choir of the Year), Darnell Davis (Contemporary Choir of the Year), Harmony Samuels (Song of the Year – “Say Yes”), Rick Robinson (Producer of the Year), STL3 (Youth Project of the Year – “All Things New”), Tasha Page-Lockhart(Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year, New Artist of the Year), Warryn Campbell (Producer of the Year, Song of the Year – “Help”), Will Bogle (Producer of the Year), along with recording artists Kirk Franklin, Shawn Stockman and The Walls Group, songwriter Gerald Haddon and motivational speaker/preacher DeVon Franklin.   

For more information on the ASCAP Morning Glory Breakfast reception, please visit  www.ascap.com.