BAYFEST ANNOUNCES LINE-UP FOR 2013

3 DAYS!  125 MUSICAL ACTS!   9 STAGES!

(Mobile, AL.)-- Check out the lineup for Bayfest 2013!  I am totally pumped about Anthony Hamilton The Zac Brown Band and Hunter Hays. Over the years, Bayfest has featured some of the biggest names in R&B, Pop and Country Music and this year is no exception!  Bayfest's announcement of it's line-up for 2013 proves why it is quickly becoming "Alabama's Largest Music Festival!"

                                   

Zac Brown Band

Varion Walton and Tamia-Essence- 2012  

The addition of Tamia and the Isley Brothers should also generate a lot of interest for R&B lovers.  Tamia, fresh from The Essence Music Festival has new music that's climbing the charts.  The Grammy Award nominated singer is making her way back to the stage after an extended hiatus. She and her husband,  former NBA Superstar Grant Hill  have been busy raising two daughters. After a five year absence,  this beautiful Canadian songbird is once again ready to balance touring and being a mother.                                                                 

Anthony Hamilton 

Another nice addition to the line-up includes the "legendary" Isley Brothers.  I had the pleasure of seeing Ron Isley and the Isley Brothers near Memphis, Tennessee last December.  Let's just say to all of your "Mr. Big" fans out there-- you're in for a treat.  Ron Isley still has it vocally.

BayFest will celebrate it's 19th year October 4th-6th.  Festival organizers expect more than 200, 000 music lovers to pack into Downtown Mobile. Past performers at BayFest include:  Luke Bryan, Kid Rock, Duran Duran, Kenny Chesney,  Mary J. Blige, Montley Crue and B.B. King and many, many more!  

Weekend passes are now available.  Cash in on the early bird specials today!

VISIT: www.bayfest.com.

WHAT'S HOT! ALABAMA'S OWN TERRY TOWNSEND

INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS!

(HUNTSVILLE, AL.)—The royal birth isn't thing that's got tongues wagging across the pond! Inspirational/Jazz Artist Terry Townsend is earning critical acclaim across the pond in the U.K.  Find out what all the "BUZZ" is about.  Read Townsend's latest review from "Soul and Jazz and Funk" in London. 

 "This Just in From The U.K.

CHECK OUT: SOULandJAZZandFUNK's Latest Review  
http://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/reviews/2319-terry-townsend-mutual-love-affair-wwwterrytownsendnet-.html

DON'T FORGET TO DOWNLOAD Terry's new CD "A Mutual Love Affair." Switch Now: WWW.TERRYTOWNSEND.NET to get your copy today!

VANESSA BELL CALLOWAY--"THE ESSENCE" OF BEAUTY AND STYLE!

HOLLYWOOD STAR GEARS UP FOR ESSENCE FEST 20TH YEAR 

Vanessa Bell Calloway on the Red Carpet at Essence Fest

(New Orleans, LA.) Busy is an understatement when describing Actress Vanessa Bell Calloway.  Calloway, a seasoned actress who has been on the scene since breaking up daytime's beloved couple  Angie and Jessie on "All My Children. One of Calloway's most memorable role was the "submissive" lady in waiting" in Eddie Murphy's iconic movie "Coming to America." She's also remembered for her breakout roll in "What's Love Got to Do With It" as one of the Ikettes.  Aside from her work on the big screen, nearly 20 years ago Vanessa Bell Calloway kicked off one of the very first editions of what is now known as Essence Music Festival?  

VISION/VOICE/VARION got the inside scoop on the latest the ageless star, July 4th, during the Essence Music Festival's "Friends and Family" Reunion Day in New Orleans. Vanessa made it back to "the Big Easy" to reminisce and remind every one of her role as one of the celebrity host and contributors to the music festival nearly two decades ago.  

PRESS PLAY TO SEE VARION'S INTERVIEW WITH VANESSA

"Most people don't know, but I was apart of this music festival in the early years.  I served as an honorary host" said Calloway.  It's truly been cool watching Essence Music Festival grow over the years. Today it is "the event" when it comes to R&B, empowering African American women and the first class entertainment.

In addition to staking her claim in the upcoming 20th anniversary of Essence Fest 2014, Calloway filled us in on her current projects.  "I am very excited about my new web series called IN THE COMPANY OF FRIENDS,"... everyone is invited to enjoy me for an intimate gathering of friends at my home as we eat, laugh and chop it up as only good friends can do," Calloway said

"In The Company of Friends" is a new series where you can watch Vanessa chats it up with some of "Hollywood's" Black "Elite" like Actress Loretta Devine, Vivica Fox, Wendy Raquel Robinson (Tasha Mack, "The Game"), Salli Richardson and Actor Dondre' Whitfield just to name a few. Check out a preview of the new September series by visiting
www.in-the-company-of-friends.com.

Be sure to check out Vanessa's BLOG TALK RADIO SHOW Sundays, 3pm PST and 6PM EST www.blogtalkradio.com/vanessabellcalloway. 

I've got to take my hat off to this renaissance woman.  From "Hollywood to Motherhood," Vanessa Bell Calloway has successfully celebrated more than 20 years of marriage and raising two daughters in Hollywood, a perpetual "fishbowl" that consistently presents more than a few challenges when it comes to "having and keeping the brass ring!"

Vanessa makes me proud to spell my name "W-O-M-A-N."  She is quite the example for me, and other professional Black businesswomen, in the entertainment industry when it comes to being  "FABULOUS OVER 45!"  I look forward to being just as "healthy, happy and whole" as a wife and mother in the future.

May God bless you and all of your endeavors Mrs. Calloway. ("No Hyphen") LOL.  I can't wait to tell our VISION/VOICE/VARION viewers what role you will play in the upcoming 20th gala of ESSENCE MUSIC FEST in 2014.

Letters From Zora-August 15th thru August 18th

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON VANESSA BELL CALLOWAY AND HER UPCOMING PLAY,  LETTERS FROM ZORA, "In Her Own Words" visit: www.lettersfromzora.com 


LEE BAILEY'S EURWEB.COM's Article on the Upcoming Production:
http://www.eurweb.com/2013/07/vanessa-bell-calloway-to-perform-for-breast-cancer-survivors-in-letters-from-zora-at-pasadena-playhouse-august-14th/

Vanessa Bell Calloway and Varion Walton 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: HALO WHEELER'S "THIS IS WHO I AM" CD RELEASE

IT'S ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF THE SUMMER!

(Birmingham, AL)  Join Halo Wheeler, Producer Kelvin Wooten, and other Birmingham artist for the much anticipated CD RELEASE PARTY of Halo Wheeler's, "THIS IS WHO I AM" on Sunday, August 11, 2013 at 6pm.  This event of the summer will be held at one of The Magic City's premiere spots, "The Workplay Center."




Guests will enjoy live music performed by this young, fresh, dynamic newcomer to the music industry.  Halo Wheeler will meet and greet record executives, industry insiders and party the night away in what's truly becoming one of Birmingham's most unique music venues.

Limited, VIP guests will enjoy preferred seating, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, and a FREE CD. We look forward to seeing you at this summer's hottest event!  

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

Visit https://www.facebook.com/halowheelermusic FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines"--A Naughty, Romantic Hit!

(HUNTSVILLE, AL.)--This joint right here!  Let's just say the rest of the world is finally catching up with what me and my girls have known for years---"Robin Thicke" is the funkiest brother who wasn't left in the incubator long enough.

I've seen Robin in concert and he's simply true to a sound that is pure, genuine and leaves you dancing in the isles.  Turn up the volume and rip off the knob!  This one is going to stay in your head for a while.  Enjoy!

HERE WE GROW AGAIN....

"WE'RE BUILDING SOMETHING HERE"

(MOBILE, AL.)---"Varion, you seem to be everywhere!"  If I had a nickel for every time I've heard that phrase I'd be rich.  Over the last two years, many of you have watched me do everything, from interview some of the biggest names in the news and entertainment business, to covering some of the most anticipated events of the year like The Stellar Awards, BayFest and The Essence Music Festival.

All of those exclusive interviews and "backstage" coverage was streamed live via The VW Network.  The VW Network is the new "go to place" for all of your entertainment and celebrity news....24/7.  Check out our facebook page at www.facebook.com/vwnetwork

In addition to working in the entertainment industry,  I have been actively involved in mentoring and coaching the next generation of journalists.  After 20 years as a proven, award winning journalist,  I wanted to use my experience and expertise to groom others.

During those 20 years in the television industry,  I've been blessed with the ability to bring my multiple gifts as a reporter, anchor, host, producer and event planner under one umbrella....WALTON AND ASSOCIATES.

Walton and Associates is a 21st century company meeting the needs of new journalists, recording artists and business owners.  The services we provide are not "cookie cutter," but are tailored to the individual needs of every client, regardless of your budget.

Me and my partners have nearly 60 years of combined experience in legal, marketing, branding, hosting and producing experience.  All of which is the basis of our company's mission: "building relationships."

Please go to FACE BOOK and "LIKE" my NEW official WALTON AND ASSOCIATES page.  It is where you can read more on our clients, success stories and testimonials.

Walton and Associates is the parent company of: Vision/Voice/Varion, The VW Network and Varion Walton.Com.  Visit:  www.varionwalton.com, www.varionwalton.blogspot.com

SWITCH NOW:  https://www.facebook.com/waltonassociates

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION--ESSENCE STYLE!

HERE'S TO 07/07

(New Orleans, Louisiana)--BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT ESSENCE 2013--Waking up this morning truly knowing that I am blessed and highly favored.  God is amazing and he continues to go over and beyond my expectations with ever new venture.  He covers me at every turn. Today I thank him for my health, my family, my friends and yet another season to get it right and make a difference!  Here's to 07/07

UNITING ESSENCE "GUNS DOWN" INITIATIVE AND NEW ORLEANS- "NOLA FOR LIFE"

ESSENCE EMPOWERMENT EXPERIENCE STAGE

ESSENCE PARTNERS WITH NEW ORLEANS MAYOR MITCH LANDRIEU TO BRING TOGETHER TO END VIOLENCE!

(New York, NY–July 2, 2013)--As the world watches one of the most prolific trials in America, the trial of George Zimmerman accused of gunning down teenager Trayvon Martin, Essence partners with New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu to bring grieving mothers together with their families to finally call for an end to all of the violence in America Sunday, July 7th.

At the culmination of the renowned ESSENCE Empowerment Experience at the 2013 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans (July 4-7), ESSENCE will partner with New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu to unite mothers and families in an effort to end violence and murder across America. 

ESSENCE and Mayor Landrieu will host ‘Love, Loss and Life’, a special prayer vigil for mothers who have loved and lost , on Sunday, July 7,  at 9AM (CST) at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on the ESSENCE Empowerment Experience Stage. 

Mayor Landrieu, highlighting the city’s comprehensive murder reduction strategy NOLA FOR LIFE (#NOLAforLife) and ESSENCE, referencing its Guns Down series (#ESSENCEGunsDown), will lead vital conversations and encourage collective prayer about stopping the violence and murder that are plaguing our cities. 

“The loss of young people to senseless violence is a national tragedy,” said ESSENCE Acting Managing Editor, Vanessa K. Bush, “Our community of ESSENCE readers is praying for our families.  As mothers, when we send our children out into the world, we expect them to always come home.  By joining with Mayor Landrieu and the City of New Orleans, we are coming together to mourn, rejoice and inspire a national movement.”

The ‘Love, Life & Loss’ program will include testimonies from mothers, choir performances, a moment of prayer, a second line procession and a pledge by the community.    In addition, a ‘Wall of Remembrance’ featuring images of the children lost to violence will be created on-site and the pledge will be shared around the world via social media. 

“Partnering with ESSENCE is an important step in galvanizing women and making murder reduction a national priority,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu.  “We understand that mothers who have loved and lost are critical in changing the culture of violence and in ending this unacceptable epidemic of young African-American men killing each other.”

For the latest news about the ESSENCE FESTIVAL, visit ESSENCE Festival www.essencefestival.com. Join the Festival community: follow us on Twitter @essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of 2013 ESSENCE Festival on Facebook.

The 2013 ESSENCE FESTIVAL™ is executive produced by Essence Festivals LLC, a division of Essence Communications Inc. (ECI).  GeChar is the executive producer of the 2013 ESSENCE Empowerment Experience Stage.

ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL...."THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT!""

ESSENCE LAUNCHES THE 2013 ESSENCE FESTIVAL APP
*Available now to download for iPhone and Android users. 

2013 ESSENCE FESTIVAL APP FEATURES:

• Real Time Updates
  
• Current Lineup & Panel Listings
  
• Personalized Schedules
  
• Social Sharing
  
• Tickets for Purchase 

Personalized Schedules, Real Time Updates, And Social Sharing from "VISION/VOICE/VARION"

JULY 3, 2013---ESSENCE launches the official 2013 ESSENCE Festival App leading up to the most anticipated African-American cultural event of the year, the 2013 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans July 4th weekend.

With so much to see and do in New Orleans over ESSENCE Festival weekend, you need a game plan to enjoy it all. That's why ESSENCE built the free official ESSENCE Festival App, now available for iPhone and Android, to help Festival attendees stay-in- the-know over the holiday weekend.
The App allows users to receive updates from ESSENCE, see current lineups and listings, purchase tickets and create their own schedule and share details with friends.
With over 50 artists and 60 speakers appearing on 8 stages over 4 days, there is a lot to keep up with—and the free 2013 ESSENCE Festival App guarantees that users will not miss a single thing in this jam- packed Festival weekend.

For more information on the 2013 ESSENCE Festival, visit http://www.essence.com/festival
ESSENCE Festival. Become a fan on Facebook and follow the Festival conversation on Twitter #EssenceFest. 

IPHONE USERS CLICK HERE:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/official-2013-essence-festival/id659069885?ls=1&mt=8

ANDROID USERS CLICK HERE:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.timeinc.essence

ALL NEW: EARLY BIRD SPECIALS AVAILABLE FOR BAYFEST 2013!

(July 2, 2013)-- HAPPENING NOW: Bayfest weekend passes are now available!  Don't miss the "EARLY BIRD" special today through July 15th. Bayfest 2013, it's going to be "awesome!" For more information and to check out this year's line up, visit:  www.bayfest.com.