Check Out This Video Moments Following The CD Release of "ZEITGEIST!"
(Huntsville, AL)--Music lovers get ready, there's a young, eclectic, blue haired beauty who is ready to take the music industry by storm! Deqn Sue is a "single woman on a single mission" to raise the consciousness of her generation through song. Check out this video of the new Woodaworx Recording artist only minutes following the release of her brand new CD "Zeitgeist!" Varion Walton chats with Deqn on the red carpet about the inspiration behind this new project.
For more information on how you can get your copy of "ZEITGEIST," visit www.deqnsue.com and
(Mobile, AL.)---Spread the word, tell a friend--Varion Walton is gearing up for another year of "ALL THINGS BAYFEST" and with a line-up that includes The Zac Brown Band, Tamia, Hunter Hayes, The Isley Brothers, T.I., Anthony Hamilton and Tamar Braxton--it's simply GOING TO BE "OFF THE METER!"
Take a minute to watch Varion's Bayfest organizers included in this blog, but also take a minute to
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Woodaworx/The Pink Doughnut Shop Recording Artist Deqn Sue
Deqn Sue's Official Video --"Dream Killer"
(Huntsville, AL.)--Alabama Music Maker Kelvin Wooten unleashes "Zeitgeist," the first Pop/Funk album recorded under his own label. This weekend the Grammy nominated producer will showcase his latest protege' Deqn Sue under The Woodaworx/The Pink Doughnut Shop labels.
Wooten and his entire band will join Deqn for the official CD RELEASE and LISTENING PARTY for "Zeitgeist." Deqn Sue is expected to perform several singles from her new album LIVE tomorrow, September 22nd at The Demi Howell Salon in Huntsville, AL.
Based out of Los Angeles, Deqn is described as eclectic, unique, soulful with an "alternative twist." She met Wooten and began recording while attending Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. Some of her early musical influences include Prince, Sly and The Family Stone. Her unique style has earned comparisons to Macy Gray, Dionne Farris and Fefe Dobson.
Though she's the first Pop artist signed under Wooten's Woodawox label, Deqn is no stranger to the business. In fact, you could say it is in her DNA. She is apart of a legendary family with strong ties to Hollywood. Her mother performed in several Janet Jackson videos as a principal dancer in the late 80s. Her father played the role of Sqt. Deacon "Deke" Kay in the famed 1970's television series "SWAT," thus her name "Deqn Sue!"
If Wooten's name sounds familiar, it should. Kelvin Wooten is the same North Alabama musician credited with producing Grammy nominated hits for R&B Sensation Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scott Raphel Saadiq, just to name a few. Wooten is set to strengthen up his influence on the national music scene with the release of this latest project.
(MOBILE, AL)--VISION/VOICE/VARION is your headquarter for "all things Bayfest!" This year the VVV crew is stepping it up, bringing you even more exclusive interviews, cool giveaways and all of the music you can handle.
THIS JUST IN: K-Rob, a Bayfest favorite is performing again, Sunday, October 6th. But this time, Vision/Voice/Varion has learned K-Rob is opening act for his legendary uncle, Ron Isley and The Isley Brothers. That's just a sample of some of the exciting entertainment news you can expect over the next two weeks. Varion Walton and her crew are gearing up to cover Bayfest 2013 from the opening ceremonies to the final closing song.
Bayfest's line-up for 2013 is second to none! The Zac Brown Band, Anthony Hamilton, Tamia, Hunter Hays, Tamar Braxton, R. Kelly and many more. 125 national and local acts performing on 9 different stages in Downtown Mobile.
CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO as Varion Walton talks with Shana Jordan, Executive Director of Bayfest about this year's line-up and how Alabama's Largest Music Festival continues to "thedestination" for the first weekend in October.
Organizers expect more than 250-thousand screaming music fans looking for the hottest stars in country, R&B, Rap, Hip Hop and Rock and Roll. This year there's something to satisfy even the most discriminating music critic. Spread the word, tell a friend, "Bayfest 2013 is simply going to be epic!"
STAY CONNECTED TO VISION/VOICE/VARION FOR EXCITING BAYFEST TRIVA AND GIVEAWAYS!
CHECK OUT THE COMPLETE LINE-UP, PLUS GET YOUR WEEKEND PASSES NOW: VISIT: www.bayfest.com
(BIRMINGHAM, AL.)--Folks attending the annual Tom Joyner, "Take A Loved One To The Doctor Day" got a little something extra to help take the "pain away!" Some might even say Halo Wheeler's music is just what "the doctor ordered" when it comes to being empowered and inspired about our youth. Check out this young Birmingham native as she takes center stage for an EXCLUSIVE performance on the 98.7 KISS FM stage.
Halo Wheeler, a 15-year old Shades Valley High School sophomore sang more than four singles from her brand new CD "This Is Who I Am!" HALO, an acronym for "Harmoniously and LyricallyOriginal" wrote nine of the ten tracks on the debut CD when she was only 14.
"This Is Who I Am" became one of the most anticipated CD releases of the summer after it started getting airplay on 98.7 KISS-FM weeks before the August 11th release. KISS-FM's Chris Coleman started putting HALO's music in heavy rotation after he heard "GONE," the young artist first single written during Halo's freshmen year in high school. The veteran DJ was immediately sold on "The Halo Experience." He immediately followed up the first single with "Therapy," an up-tempo single on the album that's earning comparisons to Chrisette Michele and Inda Arie.
For nearly a decade, Tom Joyner and his sister stations around the country have teamed up to help folks living in disadvantaged communities receive free health screening and medical exams. Linn Park served as a beautiful backdrop for some 300 Central Alabama residents who patted their feet and rolled up their sleeves as they listened to the sultry, soulful sounds of Halo Wheeler while getting their blood pressured checked.
(BIRMINGHAM, AL) Tom
Joyner, Sybil Wilkes and J. Anthony Brown, they are as much apart of our
morning as packing a lunch and kissing our children off to school. Everyday
we count on a few laughs from The Tom Joyner Morning Show, but tomorrow Tom and
the gang will be "all talk" about a very serious subject, your
health!
It's a sobering fact; African Americans are more
likely to die of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cancer. For nearly a
decade, the nationally syndicated talk show host has "championed the
cause" by raising the awareness of some of the most polarizing diseases
crippling our communities.
Join The Tom Joyner Morning Show as they team up
with Birmingham's 98.7KISS FM. Their mission includes tackling the health
issues in the black community head on. This "party with a purpose"
will indeed be the "gift that keeps on giving," we’re talking
longevity folks!
I was especially excited when I learned the
management of KISS FM decided to spotlight one of Birmingham's own during this
important day. Halo Wheeler is a 15-year-old sophomore who is about to
take the national music scene by storm. Her debut CD "This is Who I
Am" dropped August 11th and so far, it's getting rave reviews.
Halo is expected to perform at least three of the
songs that are currently in heavy rotation on KISS FM. It's her way of thanking
the people of Birmingham for their love and support. To learn more about
Halo Wheeler, visit "THE VW NETWORK" at www.facebook.com/vwnetwork.
Join me Central Alabama, as we stand united in
making certain we check in on this 'health festival' for a day of
"FUN" and FITNESS Spread the word; tell a friend, VISION/VOICE/VARION
is giving you information for "your heart and soul."
(Huntsville, Alabama) It is premiere weekend and if you haven't see "THE BUTLER," yet, shame on you! It is one of the most anticipated movies of the summer and it is "brilliantly and beautifully crafted!" Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey are "first rate" in their roles! It is bold, thought provoking, emotional and awe-inspiring! From the opening frame to the closing credits, you feel the raw, colorful, explosive, emotional journey of our American history through the eyes of an ordinary middle class-family pushed through extraordinary challenges.
This movie has an impressive supporting cast with a slew of cameos, but it is Oprah fans who are in for a real treat. After more than a decade, the former "Daytime Diva," redeems herself on the silver screen as Gloria Gaines. She nails the "southern, gentile demeanor" of this wife and mother during the turbulent times of the 60's. Her scene at the dinner table where she literally slaps her militant son back into reality when it comes to "respecting your elders" is memorable. Side note: I would love to know how much of Oprah's character's torrid, hot affair with Terrance Howard's womanizing character ended up on the editing room floor. I also found it ironic that this movie which includes a scene from the election of President Barack Obama, has one of the richest black women in the world portraying the wife of a White House servant.
Forest Whitaker comes full circle with his acting chops in his role as Cecil Gaines. This veteran actor cleverly shows us how even a "butler" in The White House had the potential to influence important legislation through seven Presidential administrations. The famed star is excellent in his portrayal of Cecil Gaines, a humble, "unsung hero" who has his own "spiritual awakening." The Butler truly is a vivid reminder of how one quiet voice can truly ignite a revolution!
I shall never forget the scene and message from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr in the movie. King reminds Gaines's son, who ashamed and often disrespectful to his father of the significance of the butler's role in the White House. Dr. King reminds the most militant member of this iconic family that a role of a "domestic" is one of honor because it speaks directly to the domestics' "integrity, character and work ethic!"
Never before has a more edgy, candid portrayal of the "Freedom Riders" during the Civil Rights Era been placed on the silver screen. I'm still shivering from the coffee, lunch-room sit-in scene that literally sucks the wind out of every person sitting in the theater as it plays out in living color during a time when blacks and whites were still trying to find their place in this country. It is by far one of the most prolific scenes because it speaks to the sacrifice made during the movement. To see America's youth, many of them as young as 13 years old stand strong and defiant in the face of segregation. I'm reminded of the "lessons learned" as a general assignment reporter in Birmingham researching this iconic era and learning first hand about the tremendous sacrifice of the "Freedom Riders," black and white!
"The Butler" is a real-life story that serves as "sobering reminder" of the "giant shoulders"we're all standing on in this country today. It is a bold slap across the face to those of us who have forgotten the struggle. It brilliantly depicts how far we've come and how much more work that's left to be done!
I am proud to say in Huntsville, Alabama where I viewed the movie, everyone in the theater--black and white,--young and old stood on their feet and applauded with approval at the closing credits. Perhaps a people who have enjoyed the benefits of Cecil Gaines's sacrifice, leaving with a new found respect for the domestic who influence history in his own way.
Lee Daniels' -"The Butler" is an era-spanning, Oscar hopeful, historical, Civil Rights drama that is worth your time. See it two times, it's just that extraordinary!
(Huntsville, AL.) --Varion Walton still knows how to go out and get the "BIG ENTERTAINMENT STORY!" Check out this VISION/VOICE/VARION EXCLUSIVE with one of the hottest music producers, Kelvin Wooten (Django Unchained) and his new protege' who is earning comparison's to Whitney Houston. Introducing, 15 year old "Halo" Wheeler!
George Duke, Legendary Jazz Keyboardist, Dies at 67
George Duke, the legendary jazz artist whose music
played more like the soundtrack to our lives died on Monday, according to his
publicist. His career spanned five decades and his music credits and
collaborations includes other iconic artists such as Miles Davis, Frank Zappa,
George Clinton, Anita Baker and one of my favorites Rachelle Ferrell.
I believe it was my best friend Gina Brown who
introduced me to George Duke during our freshmen year at the University of
South Alabama. Though Gina was more familiar with jazz than me the age of 17, it didn't take long for me to share in her passion for the sweet, sultry sounds of this iconic keyboard player that would only described as "musical sunshine." For years it served as my first and best example of jazz and fusion in its purest form.
Today, I join the world in saying though his voice has been silenced;
his music, memory and contribution in revolutionizing jazz in its purest form
will live on forever.
Check out one of George Duke's
last interviews recorded last month (July 13th), he talked about his new
album entitled "Dreamweaver" which is a tribute to his dearly
departed wife Corine, who died one year ago from cancer.
