(Hollywood, CA.)--It's been a minute since we've seen Eddie Murphy on the silver screen. September 16th Eddie Murphy returns in an independent film that generated rave reviews at The Tribeca Film Festival.
I'm intrigued by this new film because I know a real life scenario of a Mr. Church taking place in Texas. A very dear man, a very close friend in fact who is looking beyond race, ethnicity, and even sexual orientation. He's stepped in playing surrogate to two children whose mother is critically ill with no income.
Life has a way of moving forward in Hollywood and in every home in America. In the fictional movie "Mr. Church," Eddie Murphy's character develops a unique friendship with a little girl and her dying mother. His services are retained as a silver-tongued cook, Henry Joseph Church. What begins as a six-month arrangement instead spans some fifteen years, and creates a family bond that lasts forever.
A family doesn't always come in the shape of blood relatives. Sometimes God puts total strangers together so that they can rescue each other. Mr. Church opens in theaters nationwide September 16th.
(New Orleans, LA.) --The 2-day premiere of "Queen Sugar" on THE OWN NETWORK left us breathless this week. While we wait for its triumphant return NEXT WEDNESDAY, Varion Walton wraps up her special assignment report with cast member Dondre Whitfield. The veteran actor shares how media mogul, Oprah Winfrey is urging the world to "reimagine" television when it comes to a scripted drama series. Plus, Dondre tells us why he will always be endearing to the role of "Robert" on The CosbyShow. Varion Walton also has the scoop on the role Dondre' beautiful wife and ctress Salli Richardson-Whitfield is playing in future episodes of "Queen Sugar!"
Queen Sugar-OWN Network
Queen Sugar -OWN Network
The 2-day premiere on OWN TV is leaving audiences on the edge of their seats as the Bordelon siblings, Nova (True Blood's Rutina Wesley), Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe), and Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner), all children of Ernest (Veteran Actor Glynn Turman) - a sugar cane farmer and black landowner in St. Josephine Parish falls on hard times and failing health.
The new drama, inspired by a novel written by Natalie Bazile slowly, methodically takes the viewer through three generations of Bordelons, their plight, their fury and weaknesses when it comes to being a dysfunctional family.
Varion Walton got an opportunity to talk with Dondre Whitfield and other cast members this summer during her extensive coverage of The Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.
Queem Sugar- OWN Network
Whitfield plays a love-interest of Charley who is nursing a broken heart after being publicly humilated in a sex scandal involving her husband and members of the fictional NBA team where he serves as team captain.
PRESS PLAY and check out Dondre' description of shooting his love scenes with his wife Salli on the other side of the camera. VISION/VOICE/VARION..."your source for ALL THINGS SUGAR!"
(New Orleans, LA.)--It's this week's VISION/VOICE/VARION EXCLUSIVE! Ahead of this week's big premiere on The Own Network, Varion Walton has the scoop on the brand new drama series that is intelligent, rare and intriguing.
"Queen Sugar," the new drama series inspired by a novel by Natalie Baszile. Created by famed writer/director Ava DuVernay, Queen Sugar is a warm, beautifully written family drama about The Louisiana Bordelon family. DeVernay and media mogul Oprah Winfrey are teaming up again following their success with the movie Selma, hoping to get viewers to "reimagine" television when it comes to a scripted drama series.
Queen Sugar on OWN TV
Queen Sugar on OWN TV
The 2-day premiere is leaving audiences on the edge of their seats as the Bordelon siblings, Nova (True Blood's Rutina Wesley), Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe), and Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner), all children of Ernest (Veteran Actor Glynn Turman) - a sugar cane farmer and black landowner in St. Josephine Parish falls on hard times and failing health.
The new television drama series slowly, methodically takes the viewer through three generations of Bordelons, their plight, their fury and weaknesses when it comes to being a dysfunctional family.
In the novel written by Natalie Baszile, the character "Micah" is female. In The OWN NETWORK drama series, Micha is male and played by newcomer Nick Ashe. Varion Walton got an opportunity to talk with Ashe and other cast members this summer during her coverage of The Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.
Ashe, who is more of theater major talks exclusively with VARION WALTON about being given a shot to cut his acting chops on the small screen, all with two powerhouse females like Winfrey and DuVernay at the helm.
PRESS PLAY and check out what Nick had to say when asked about his schoolboy looks and being part of something he clearly defines as "something revolutionary" when it comes to seeing stories about black love and black families on the small screen.
(New Orleans, LA.)--Oprah Winfrey has done it again. "Queen Sugar" premieres September 6th and 7th in a two-night showing as one of the most anticipated new drama series this fall.
Famed Writer/Director Ava DuVernay, the other half of this "fiercely feminine" team is talking and ONLY to VISION/VOICE/VARION. It's part of "premiere week" as Varion Walton kicks off season 7 of her entertainment magazine. Spread the word, tell a friend this fall is going to be epic on OWNTV and THE VW NETWORK.
VISION/VOICE/VARION kicks off 7th SEASON an EXCLUSIVE from Singer Kelly Price and More!
(New Orleans-LA.)-- So far, it's shaping up to be a "September to Remember!" Varion Walton and The VISION/VOICE/VARION crew are kicking off our 7th season with an EXCLUSIVE, a preview to this week's McDonald 2016 "365 Black Awards." Varion talks with EXCLUSIVELY with R&B sensations Anthony Hamilton and Kelly Price as they serenade "Breathe Again," singer and actress Toni Braxton and Wendy Raquel Robinson for their lifetime achievements.
Singer Kelly Price on the red carpet before her showstopping performance.
Toni Braxton honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
Grammy Award Singer Anthony Hamilton Scheduled to Perform
September 5th & 6th Varion goes in-depth and fills you in on all of those amazing trailers you've seen promoting Oprah and the OWN Networks new drama series, "Queen Sugar!" Varion chats candidly with one of the most acclaimed female directors behind this new series that's generation a lot of buzz, Ava DuVernay.
For nearly 10 years Varion has given you the "lowdown on the low scores," when it comes to the sanitary conditions of many restaurants. September 14th, our award-winning Restaurant
Scorecard reporter will school you on something we all love, Soul Food. Varion literally breaks bread with Adrian Miller, a published author who will give you the scoop on the origin on all of the "soul food" Big Mama prepared for those fabulous Sunday Dinners. This known "food scholar" also tackles another scandalous subject, why there are so many hungry people desperate for food in such the rich food mecca we call America.
Spread the word, tell a friend...the 7th season of VisionVoiceVarion is going to go beyond "scandalous", this FALL is going to be epic! Stay connected!
(Chattanooga, TN.)---She's a "boss chick" with 3 Grammys; 16 years under her belt and a national tour that's stronger than ever! Music fans are still "basking in the afterglow" following Jill Scott's high energy performance at Chattanooga's famed Tivoli Theater recently.
The Scenic City is part of the final leg of the singer/songwriter's 2016 Summer Concert Series.
Jill is scheduled for performances in Jacksonville and Miami at the end of August. From there, she's off to headline The 2016 Tom Joyner Morning Show Family Reunion Labor Day Weekend in Kissimmee, FL.
"Jilly from Philly" appears to be in a good place these days, paying tribute to her new husband with a new song entitled "Jahraymecofasola." Scott says the new single is her gift to her new husband Michael Dobson. The couple was married in June.
Scott also told fans how she never thought she would ever have more children, that after a difficult pregnancy with her only biological son Jett. "In June, God saw fit to bless me with six more children," she said affectionately. My husband and I are so lucky to embrace our new life and truly live every single day in the moment!
Here's hoping the FAMILY REUNION brings on a "NEW BEGINNING" for Jill Scott as she embraces her new life and extended family.
PRESS PLAY and TAKE "ANOTHER LOOK" at why Jill Scott is truly all about living her life like it's "GOLDEN!"
Congratulations again Jill. If your strong vocals, stamina, and electric smile are any indication, you'll be celebrating 20-plus years in the business in no time.
(Washington, D.C.)--Walton and Associates mourns the death of famed columnist George Curry. Curry, who died Saturday of an apparent heart attack will be laid to rest in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Civil Rights leader and activist Rev. Al Sharpton is expected to deliver the eulogy at The Weeping Mary Baptist Church Saturday, August 27, 2016. For decades, Curry was one of the most powerful voices on issues confronting black Americans.
Last year, Walton and Associates CEO, Varion Walton had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Curry briefly during the 50th Anniversary of the March from Selma to Montgomery. For years, Curry had one of the most successful columns in more than 200 newspapers across the country.
According to The National Association of Black Journalists, at the time of his death, George Curry was in the process of revitalizing Emerge Magazine.
He was still fighting to revive that magazine until his last moment on earth," said TV- ONE host Roland S. Martin, a friend, colleague, and fellow columnist. "George Curry died with his boots on, still fighting."
In 2003, Curry was named the NABJ Journalist of the Year for his continued commitment of influencing the NEXT generation of digital journalists.
Toni Braxton and Wendy Raquel Robinson Honored for Life-Time Achievements
(New Orleans, LA.) September is Sizzling! The VW Network is your EXCLUSIVE “backstage,” ALL ACCESS pass to the televised, star-studded 13th Annual 365 Black Awards, September 1st on BET! This year's awards is hosted by actress/singer Amber Riley and actor Lance Gross.
PHOTO CREDIT: Soul Brother
PHOTO CREDIT: Soul Brother
First, be sure to check out Varion’s BIG PREVIEW as she meets and greets the stars as they hit the red carpet before the show honoring Grammy Award-winning artist Toni Braxton, NFL cornerback Charles Tillman and award-winning actress Wendy Raquel Robinson and several other "unsung" community heroes around the country.
PHOTO CREDIT: Soul Brother
PHOTO CREDIT: Kendal Elam
PHOTO CREDIT: Kendal Elam
You are in for a treat as Varion talks exclusively to R&B sensational Anthony Hamilton and songbird Kelly Price and The Braxtons before their stellar performances. Mark your calendar, that's August 31st, only on THE VWNETWORK and www.varionwalton.com
(New Orleans, LA)--September will be a big month for rising star Kofi Siriboe. In addition to being part of an exclusive VW Network SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT REPORT, the rising start has just been added to the All-Star cast of Universal Film “Girl Trip” starring Queen Latifah, Regina Hall and Jada Pinkett Smith.Already deemed by Entertainment Weekly as a “sure to be a heartthrob,” industry insiders have the 22-year old actor as one of “the premiere sought-after talents in Hollywood.”
"I am extremely honored to be sharing the screen with award nominated and winning actresses like Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Regina Hall. This is both a dream and a childish crush come true. I look forward to embodying the vision that our director Malcolm D. Lee has for my character, says Siriboe.
PHOTO CREDIT: KENDALL ELAM
Siriboe made a big splash with Queen Latifah and the cast of “Girl Trip” during the 2016 Essence Music Festival.He and the cast of “Queen Sugar” cheered on Oprah Winfrey as she gave more than 8-thousand fans a preview of her new drama series during an appearance at The Essence Music Festival at The Ernest Morial Convention Center in July.
PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
Don't miss Varion’s Special Assignment Report in August as she talks in-depth about the case of“Queen Sugar.” The drama series is the latest in what critics say is sure to be another rating winner Oprah Winfrey who teams up again with “Selma” Director Ava DuVernay.The series premieres September 6th & 7th, and will air Wednesdays at 10/9c on THE OWN NETWORK.
INFLUENCING THE NEXT GENERATION OF "DIGITAL JOURNALIST"
Varion Walton and Former CNN Correspondent Dan Lothian at EPB Headquarters in Tennessee
(Chattanooga, TN.) --He has one of the most recognized faces in the White House Press Corp.Former CNN Correspondent Dan Lothian sits down with Varion Walton for an in-depth conversation about his tenure at the cable news channel, plus fills us in on what it was like covering three different administrations in the White House.For more information about WALTON AND ASSOCIATES:VISIT:www.waltonandassociates.net
(Jackson, MS.) -She's quickly becoming "America's Sweetheart!" American Idol finalist La'Porsha Renae is still winning hearts and hitting a "high note" in her native Mississippi as she makes it back home after the finale'. Check out La'Porsha as she chats with Varion about her big record deal, ALL NEW this week on VISION/VOICE/VARION!
WATCH TASHA COBB ON CENTRIC SATURDAY, APRIL 2nd -10p/9p cst
(NASHVILLE, TN.)--Brandy, Lisa Raye, Terri Vaughn have all sat in the "hot seat!" Now it's Motown Gospel Recording Artist Tasha Cobb's turn to "sweat it out" under the glare of Centric TV's reality show cameras in "Being" Tasha Cobb. It's the latest edition in the long-running series of biopics for Centric.
In the episode, Tasha discusses her road to stardom, being a powerful voice in Gospel music, living with depression, and how she continues to encourage her fans.
Additionally, Tasha released her new DVD One Place Live on April 8. The DVD is an accompaniment to her #1 Billboard chart-topping album that released last summer. Recorded live in Greensboro NC, the live performance DVD, spliced with interview footage, captures the singer in the purest form of her being – in true worship.
Tasha’s current single “Put A Praise On It,” continues to hold strong on the Gospel charts, currently in the Top 20 and climbing. Cobbs has been captivating audiences across the country since debuting the hit song on Centric’s Soul Train Awards. The soul-stirring performance had the crowd singing and celebs like musical legend and honoree Babyface mesmerized while singer/actress LaToya Luckett, “Apprentice” alum Omarosa and Empire’s Ta’Rhonda Jones on their feet.
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 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!
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'...
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.
