Lee Bailey/ Radio Mogul Who Took Extraordinary To Another Level

Before there were morning radio shows featuring Doug Banks, Tom Joyner or Russ Parr, all of America enjoyed the mild mannered and very professional voice of former Military man Lee Bailey, who lit the airways with a remarkable taste of creativity and style. The program was entitled “Radio Scope”, which was viewed by African American’s as one of the leading Independent radio productions on the air in 1980’s. The show filled in the blanks for America when it came to the real deal in information about African Americans in entertainment. At the time, Jet and Ebony Magazine were hot commodities, but “Radio Scope” was different, creating a vehicle and format that few radio stations were displaying. Lee identified with the void in the system, taking full advantage of the excitement by syndicating the show to Urban Radio stations around the country. Where other show formats failed, “Radio Scope” was making history as one that would go on to inspire and motivate future stars in radio. In the present day, the “Radio Scope” dream has sparked yet another venture of excitement and awareness as www.EURweb.com (Electronic Urban Report) was created to tackle the vast landscape of the Internet, with even more features, original ideas and past spotlights that many today continue to remember. Pioneers come and go, but the legacy of Lee Bailey will forever be the launch pad that paved the way for several well-known personalities in the world of entertainment.

For sure the way in which many of us receive our news and entertainment from day to day has changed in a major way. Fueling that change is the Internet, and today if you don’t have a website, perhaps you’re missing out on a host of services, clients and resources. “Like always, this business still takes a lot of work”, says Radio Scope founder Lee Bailey. “When we first started www.EURweb.com, it was just a one-sheet newsletter, which was published 3 times a week. As time would have it, we evolved into what you see now. I only have one full time person along with myself, but a host of contributors, whom are writers, and Independent contractors from around the country. Some people I call and ask to do assignments, while others call me looking for an opportunity to have their work showcased. Two major pluses for us is that we’re located in Los Angeles, and that we’ve been doing this for a long time, and we know a lot of people in the business. When being considered a pioneer, I’m appreciative because it makes me feel as if I’ve accomplished something. So I see it as a compliment”.

Back in the day, “Radio Scope”, produced and voiced by Bailey was the vehicle that many publicists used to get the word out about their clients new projects. “Radio Scope” came out of several things, “continues Bailey. “I was a big fan of the television news show “60 Minutes”, and I loved everything about it and I wanted to create something like it for radio. People were always asking about various artists. They always wanted to know what they (the artists) were doing so we made it our job to keep them informed. Once we got started, we worked and worked to make it what it is now. There was no dramatic shift, but it was very personality driven. The other thing is that back then, Radio DJ’s were like Rock Stars and everywhere you went you had your local heroes. Each city had their own and people gravitated to them. So it was a very big deal to be in radio back then”. When "Radio Scope" was introduced it provided content that many stations had very limited knowledge of. This variety of R&B, Hip-Hop Radio news was delivered in a timely fashion, sparking relationships with Hollywood bigwigs that would open many doors for Bailey.

Lee Bailey got his start in radio as an announcer in the 1970’s under the legendary Dr. Jerry Bolding. He’s been a radio DJ in several cities including Sacramento, California; Stockton, California; Los Angeles, California, and Flint, Michigan. After working in Los Angles, at KUTE-FM, he decided to try something, which was form Lee Bailey Communications, a voice over production company specializing in radio commercial spots (local and national) and corporate slide presentations (audio). Along with this success, the company began gravitating toward the radio of works and ideas. Then in 1983, Bailey introduced his flagship syndicated radio program, “Radio Scope: The Entertainment Magazine of the Air” in 35 US markets and primary division, Bailey Broadcasting Services (BBS) began it’s journey to become known world wide as the “Urban Infotainment Specialist.”

“The Challenges for me in doing all of this, “continues Bailey, “is that I didn’t have money to do all that I wanted to do, nor did I know business. I was actually baffled by the business. There was marketing, promotions, advertising, and a lot of stuff I was not familiar with. I had ideas. I was a creative guy and that’s what I wanted to do, create. When you look back at your artists, they are creative people and most of us are not business people. So as things began to really take off I enlisted others whom I felt comfortable with to work along with me so that we could get the business going in a positive direction”. And his comments about the future of radio, “ I see everything going down hill at this point”, continues Bailey. “ In my opinion there is not much of a future. It’s a paradigm shift because there are too many forces at work. The Internet is one major tool for the future. This new technology helps you get there faster, and it allows one person to do a lot, but there is nothing like having a actual person handle promotion, marketing and all those things”. And when it comes to music, Bailey speaks his mind, “I like the old school stuff. I’m really bored right now because there is no innovation, no real music happening. But I do like artists such as Reno Scott, a Detroit artists who’s been around since the 70’s. He’s got that old school kind of sound and feel. As much as I like Beyonce, I’m still bored there as well at times. Bruno Mars is good. Music is not like it use to be where you had really creative people. Today the artists are totally different.”

Bailey, an avid sports fanatic and work-a-holic has plans to at some point take a break from his entertainment empire, but not sure when, “ I’m consumed by this”, he says in closing. “I have no free time. I also love bowling, but I would love to take a month to travel, may watch a few movies and just get a way”. And his advice to young people, “ learn as much as you can. People devalue education. I love Goggle because it makes you well rounded. The power to think and knowledge from learning is a very powerful thing. You must be open to learning your entire life. We all make mistakes because no one is goof proof. You are going to make mistakes, but mistakes are vital to who you are, and your existence in whatever profession you choose”.

For more information about Lee Bailey and his new entertainment empire, visit

www.EURweb.com

Teen Vocalist Courtney Addresses Nation Wide “Bully” Epidemic

We’ve all had our experiences of being treated less than equal, or to some degree, a second rate citizen, but those who have been a victim to actions of a bully can tell you first hand just how it feels. When we think about the actions of bullies, we think about threatening, abusive, controlling, people who are often bigger than we may be, but for sure people who want to not only ruin our day, but anything that we do in and out of their presence. The attitudes of a bully have been around for as long as we humans have existed, but until recently, major media organizations such as CNN have began to publicize what it really means to be a bully due to a long list of teen suicides, and other in excusable behavior that creates fear that many of our children are exposed to on a daily basis. Perhaps solutions may be few, but 17 year old Vocalist Stephanie Courtney has released “Taken Over”, to address issues of bullying, which is taking America by storm.

“This is about showing encouragement”, says Courtney. “One of the reasons why I wrote this song was because one of he kids in my school committed suicide due to another kid bullying him. And then there were other things that happened that got my attention. People (kids) need to know that they have their mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, teachers, and whoever in their corner when they have people who try and bully them. It’s not fun; it doesn’t feel good and who likes to be afraid of people all the time? That is not what life is about. I wrote this song to address these issues because we’ve all been down this road one time of the other. And I am thankful to say that my mother and father, and family and friends came to my aid”. Since a young age, Courtney has suffered from a skin disorder where kids in her school would tease her endlessly, making her feel less than equal. “ Yea it made me cry often, and just mad, “as she continues. “First it’s important that regardless of who you are, you have to love yourself because kids have a tendency to believe whatever people say about them. What I also recommend is that kids find a support group or organization in their communities, locally, wherever they are and get the help they need".

“Taken Over”, was written by Courtney, accompanied by Jemelle Jones as co-writer and producer. Her other work includes single “I Need You”, from album, “Lord Just Me And You”, which was written as a Gospel project released when she was 15. Soon she’s looking forward to attending the Mt. St. Vincent College in the Bronx, NY to study Nursing. The single “Taken Over” has an accompanying video available on You Tube, with the song is available at various outlets online. For more information on Stephanie Courtney, visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Courtney/ http://www.myspace.com/stephaniecourtneymusic, www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tCR5FRXe6o, Twitter@stephaniesmusic and www.stephaniecourtneymusic.com

Prolific Literary Party Starter Dr. Peter John Releases “Search Me”.

Some call him the mix master of modern day social media, while others refer to Dr. Peter John as a seasoned communicator driving the political agenda to see how many people he can make happy while invading the inevitable. Fame and popularity has not come easy for Dr. John, aka P’Ta Mon, as he grew up in an environment of poverty, in St. Croix, in the US Virgin Islands. After moving to the United States, he just knew life was all up hill, but as reality would have it, his ideals of a rich and prosperous life was traded for yet another hot bed of ill stricken wants and needs that motivated him to pursue several degrees, a flamboyant life style and a bevy of materialistic possessions that many dream of, but find more than difficult to achieve. Today, after accepting his shortcomings and capitalizing on his mistakes, dreams to one day become the man whom people would love and respect has brought him full circle. “Search Me- The Art Of The Question”, his latest literary offering has the nation talking, and soon the world through websites such as www.talkcalm.com and tweets on Twitter.

In this highly technological age of tweeting, texting, messaging, and emailing, somehow, believe it or not, many of us have lost the ability to call our neighbor on the telephone and say, “how are you today?’, “can I borrow a cup of sugar?”, or ‘what are you doing this weekend?”. Well Dr. Peter John realized the break down in communication and wrote, “Search Me: The Art of The Question” to discuss and shed light on the many difficulties we, as a community and a people have as it pertains to everyday life. “ As a father, a family man, an educator, a business man, it’s very important to me to communicate to those around me like we use to do, “ says Dr. John. “ As Black men we have a lot of hurt and anger toward people. I’m learning to let go of the past. To let go of the problems and issues that hold us back in society. I am learning to let go as a man. I’m learning more every day about being a good father, and we all have wants needs and desires for the basics, food, shelter, clothing and love. Television exploits a lot of this for us. So in bringing back communication I’m trying to preserve some of what we’ve lost in generations past. There is a hurt everywhere you go. When I moved with my family here from St. Croix, all I saw was good things in America. We were poor, living around drug infested areas, and all that, and when we got here, we got put right back in it. So through working hard I’ve been able to change a lot of that to give my kids something great to look forward to.”

And working hard he has, as Dr. John took education very serious, creating a gamut of careers that have catapulted him to stardom. Moving from St. Croix, the family settled in Harvey, Louisiana, where the surroundings were colorful and deadly at the same time, but this didn’t stop a young ambitious John from pursing his ideas of originality. He began writing poetry, which became infused with Rap and soon came his real voice. His mother also gave good advice about going to school, so he enrolled into LA Tech University for a brief period before joining the Marine Corps. While in the Marines, his father died, which resulted in him hitting his lowest emotional state. This sparked him to begin reaching out by writing music to reconnect to reality. There after he received a BS in Professional Aviation, to later receive a JD from LSU Law School followed by an MBA from the University of New Orleans. “Going to school was my way of climbing out of poverty, “ continues Sr. John. “We have a lot of violence and a lot of problems with our people and kids because we lack opportunity. Lack of communication in some cases is also a cause of failure in our communities”. And he goes further to educate on the differences in his careers. “When I went to business school, it was very competitive. Law School was a lot of pressure. When I got there, my idea was that I knew that the law was not fair and I had this plan that I was going to get all of my people out of jail, but after being there for a while, I had to see the other side of this. Some of our people were bad people and deserved to be in prison. So law School was an eye opener for me. I wanted to be there for everyone, and be able to change the world. My first dream was to fly. I love being an aviator. This represents freedom for me. Beyond that, my passion has always been about helping others.”

Beyond his expertise as a licensed Commercial Pilot, a talk show host, and Criminal and Civil Defense Attorney, Dr. Peter John is an author who wrote his first book, “ Watch Your Step! A Law Book for Teens”. “Before writing this book, I was seeing how many of our young people were getting in trouble, “as he continues. “ A lot of them were missing fathers at home, no role models, plainly stated, mothers were single parents. The media glorifys entertainment; sex, athletes, money and all these things, and therefore the kids are getting mixed messages. There is no value system. So I put this book together to show kids that going to jail was not the way to go. And I’ve gotten a lot of good reviews from it and a lot of people like it. With my latest “Search Me- The Art Of The Question”, I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but it’s simple this book teaches you to talk and listen. It’s about communicating. We as a people have to get rid of words that judge people, and cross-examine people. Communication is the key, we have to be willing today to sit with our young people and have a conversation. They have to take the time to talk to us. No tweeting, text messages, My Space, Face book or any of that. The Internet is a great tool that allows us to make people aware and educated, but we have to limit ourselves. With hosting a radio show, I get the opportunity to not only find out about others lives, but it gives me a chance to look at my own life, and then help people”. In review, “Search Me- The Art of The Question” is a coffee table stylebook chunked full of thought provoking ideas that will keep you entertained.

For those of you who feel the urge to talk, Dr. Peter John is always open for a good conversation. His radio talk show airs on the Gulf Coast’s Power 102.9FM radio. There’s also the website www.talkcalm.com (Communicate And Learn Through Mediation). For the future he leaves these words with the youth, “look in the mirror, and identify what you do well, believe in it, have faith and work at it to be the best that you can be. Foremost in all the things that I do, I’m conquering my demons thru conversation and communication”. Dr. Peter John’s books are available in bookstores nationwide.

Country/Pop Sensation Balances Rock Stardom With Reality

Like many recording artists, Chris Gardner has seen the music industry from a variety of angles, during it’s good times and bad. He’s an independent song writer, musician and singer, and he can tell you what it’s like to work through the night, get up early the next morning and prepare for yet another show with little or no money to work with. For some music is a hobby, but Gardner, like most independent artists, has gotten use to the uncertainty of a hobby that he loves, but now greater than any other time in his life, he’s witnessing his big break, and life couldn’t be better. When many would have thrown in the towel, trying to record that platinum-selling album, Gardner formulated a plan to attract the vocal power that he needed to reach outside of his box of comfort. This plan included recording with the likes of world renound vocalist Sarah Dash, famous for her contributions to records by Rock Legend Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, The Marshall Tucker Band and LaBelle.

Well after 20 years of performing original music around Texas and New York, Gardner, is hot on the trail of promotion, performance and appearances for release “Belong”, recorded with industry veteran Sarah Dash. It’s not often that you see a duo in the industry delivering two different styles that borderline Pop and Country, but as a connoisseur of Country licks that put a whipping on the mind, Gardner brings about a twist in the writing to make his fans want to listen. Dash, on the other hand, a vocalist trained to do what she does with her eyes closed, is from the old school, and has her own style layering every record she touches with R&B, Pop and Gospel blessings that would make any singer jealous. Together they deliver vocals that will be sure to win you over. “ I feel very blessed and gracious to have Sarah as a vocalist on my record, “ says Gardner. “ She just has one of those voices that I’ve always loved. We made this process very easy for her. We recorded the music and most of my vocals in Texas and then we flew to New York to record hers. We had one day together, where she came into the studio and did her part. Then we recorded some together and it was done. It was short and sweet and she did a excellent job.”

Gardner was born as an Air Force brat in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he grew up in Buffalo, New York. After school, he received a baseball scholarship, which took him to Texas. While in training, he blew out his shoulder in the first season. Since he loved music and was looking for a new opportunity to help pay for school, he began entering Country Music contests for a radio station to promote his music. The contest paid off, when he was nominated for 3^rd place in the state of Texas. Since then, he’s traveled between New York and Houston, working in clubs developing his style and sound. In the mid 1990’s he put music on hold for 12 to 13 years to work on family. During this time, he worked very hard to put all the pieces to his recording and music career back together. “This was a difficult period in my life, “states Gardner. “ I had just went through a divorce and got custody of my two children. When it came to recording, I would go record maybe 3 or 4 songs at a time until I had a full album of material so that when I was ready to get back out there again, I had all my work done. I did this for a while, along side being a father and coaching little league soccer, basketball, taking the kids to piano lessons and all that. But I’m really proud now because the kids (he has two) are doing well in school. One is a Junior on a Trumpet Scholarship at Stephen F. Austin University, and the other is a Freshman on an Academic Scholarship at The University of Houston”. He’s also worked with Patrick McGuire (Gabriel, Diamond Rio), Mark Matejka (Charlie Daniels, Lynryrd Skynyrd) and Mike Sack, (Goo Goo Dolls), where he recorded a demo CD for Chris with his former band, “Cultured Species. Gardner’s other job is that of owner and operator of Spectrum DHI, a locksmith company, where they install and trouble shoot-locking mechanisms for major corporations and construction sites. “I feel very fortunate that I have this other life, “ continues Gardner. “ The music and entertainment business is so hard right now and people are really starving. Then to have the music, I feel that I get my therapy (through music), have fun, and make a decent living at the same time.”

Gardner worked tirelessly in the studio with two time Grammy Winner Andy Bradley to pin his recent album release entitled “Nothing For Free”, which includes singles “Miracles”, “Wastin Time”, “ It’s Alright”, “ Human”, “Take Me Away’, “Bottle Bag”, “ Right Outside your Door”, “ Stinky Guy”, “Nothing For Free” and “Belong”, with Dash. “This was a fun project for me, “ states Dash. “ I love Chris’s song writing. He’s a very positive person. We did this song in New York, and he had it all together, and I love working with people when they are this professional. We sang together two times and I let the spirit lead me and we got the project done. I like it when those I work with come with a complete package. Like past projects that I was called in to do that were not R&B or Pop, this project gives me that fortunate opportunity where I get to broaden my horizons and reach markets that otherwise I would not have. I’m moved by who is watching me as a singer and performer. And it’s a good feeling. My talents are being heard and appreciated by so many people that it’s just incredible. It was a chance meeting that I met Keith Richards, but he instantly knew of me and wanted to work with me because of my voice. This was similar. Chris stated he was a fan of my work on LaBelle’s Lady Marmalade, and he knew then that he wanted some day to do a duet. So I feel very blessed and fortunate that people recognize me and want to work with me.”

Gardner has released five projects in the past, where some have received moderate play on college radio and others have gotten national attention. He further explains where he would like to take “Nothing For Free. “ I can already see where this is going to be the break through project for me, “ states Gardner in closing. “ We shot a video in the later part of last year and waited until this year to release the album. We’re getting a lot of people who like what they’re hearing and things are getting better and better everyday. I love the Internet and it’s an incredible tool. I feel that I’ve somewhat missed it, but it’s an awesome tool to promote your work. I do see this as a means for young people to hold on to their dreams that they can make it in this industry. For me, writing songs is about my life and the things I go through are like therapy for me”. Where Dash leaves final comments. “ When I was offered this opportunity, I began doing research on Chris, and he’s a great song writer. That’s the era I come from. I’m a product of great songwriters, singers and performers and I believe he’s that caliber of entertainer”.

For more information on Chris Gardner, visit http://www.chrisgardnermusic.com.

For more information on Sarah Dash, visit http://sarahdash.net/

Red Carpet Treatment for Apollo Drummer’s “Soul Snacks”

If you’ve ever been to the World Famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, on show nights, it’s straight lights, camera, action and the who’s who of the music and entertainment industry could be standing just a few footsteps away. Ralph Rolle, the Show Time At The Apollo Veteran Drummer and businessman has gotten use to all the star-studded hoopla after 18 years of playing with the best in a line up that has included hundreds of performers, established and new comers. He’s also no stranger to making cookies, and watching how the tasty treats bring a smile to everyone’s face lucky enough to eat one. Yea that’s right- a drummer who bakes cookies? Wow, now that’s original and for sure worthy of a day in the spotlight. Rolle is the proud owner of The Soul Snacks Cookie Company, a sweeter secret than he and his family ever imagined. To celebrate the return of the company, Rolle is working harder than ever to balance a career in music while becoming a king in the snack industry.

“This is a recipe that came from many generations of my family, “ explains Rolle. “Baking cookies is just something that I was taught since I was kid growing up”. The Soul Snacks Cookie Company was founded in 1996, while Ralph was living in an apartment. Today the company is housed in a bakery in Long Island City, New York. “Yea this was something that I had my former girlfriend to help me with, “ as he continues. “ We were baking cookies out of the house and people loved them. I actually had a music studio in the house and all the different musicians and singers that came by, we didn’t go all out and get expensive foods or any of that, we just gave them cookies. So people were like ‘ you need to sell them cookies’, and finally we put our heads together and took a shot at it”. What resulted was people throughout the surrounding areas began asking for the tasty treats and Rolle was in business. The business lasted, but the then relationship failed. The cookie flavors cover a variety including the Down Home Double Chocolate Chip, the Georgia Oatmeal Raisin, the Miami Raisin Nut, the Chunked Up Chocolate Walnut, the Peanut Peanut Butter cookie, the Grampy’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie, and the recently added Sweet Potato Cookie. Cookie tins are $12.50 each, or you can purchase a gift box, which includes an assortment of cookies for $65.00.

Beyond his passion to bake cookies, Rolle is a gifted and inspiring musician who has traveled the world, working with a variety of artist, including Biggie Smalls, Queen Latifah, Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, India Arie, Roberta Flack, and is the drummer for Showtime At The Apollo along with Ray Chew and The Crew. “ I started playing drums in 1978 after experience from the Drum and Bugle Corp, “continues Rolle. “This group was everything for me. I learned so much and it gave me so much exposure to all kinds of people and techniques. My first professional job was when I turned 19 years old. I was on the road and I played with anyone that would give me a paycheck. Back in those days playing the clubs and bars was totally different, and after playing all night you might have $100.00. So in doing the roadwork, I landed the job of A&R for Jive Records. One of my major accounts at the time was that of the group High Five, which really gave me an opportunity to gain exposure and experience. The next project was Robert Kelly (R. Kelly), I had a hand in working with him as well.”

Rolle has been a musician for 33 years, where he got his start in music as a member of the Drum and Bugle Corp. He remembers how at age 9 he would visit The Apollo Theater for the first time. “When I was young my mother would only allow my sister to go to the Apollo if she would take me with her. So for me this was great because I will never forget one of the shows we went to, which had on the marquee, The Jackson 5, and I thought to myself, why do they have a Gospel Group as the headliners? We went inside and I saw this little small kid named Michael Jackson, singing, tearing the Apollo up. I was hooked, and I’ve been going ever since. For me, The Apollo is like our very own Smithsonian Institute, with all the lights and everything. It was very fascinating and exciting for me. The way I got the gig as drummer for The Apollo, was that the lead drummer at the time, Buddy Williams, was real busy, and he asked if I would sub for him. The Executive Producer of the show and Ray Chew got together and decided they liked what I was doing and I worked well with the other musicians and they hired me on full time”. But the magic is in what Rolle would love to do for today’s generation, “ My other passion is working with our youth, “ as he continues. “ Something that I have not done and wish to establish is something like the Drum and Bugle Corp, similar to what I had growing up. With all the music programs being cut in the schools, and money for the arts slowly being cut everywhere, I feel that young people would really benefit from such a venture. So to establish a funding source for kids to get instruments would be a program I could see investing in for the future”.

Searching for that perfect solution to merge entertainment and baking, Rolle depends on family to make all of his operations run smoothly. His nephew is owner and operator of Jaia Distributing, which is responsible for delivering his Soul Snack Cookies throughout the city and other areas, while his sister handles the day-to-day business administration duties. In building his brand, he utilizes the skills and talents of PR guru Angelo Ellerbe and Double Exposure Public Relations. Just a few of the celebrities who have enjoyed Rolle’s tasty snacks include Singer Gladys Knight, Academy Award Winners’ Whoppi Goldberg and Monique, Actor Chris Rock, TV personality Lou Dobbs, Actress/Singer Jennifer Lopez, Actor Steve Harvey, Singer Roberta Flack, Singer D’Angelo, DJ Kid Capri, Rapper Doggie Fresh and others. “We’re one big family, “ says Rolle. “ I’m so busy and I can’t do it all so I have other people who help me make it all happen. But with technology today, I might be out of the country, but with the Blackberry, and computers, I can still do what I do even though I’m not there. The way I see it there are no excuses any more. We have the tools; you just have to be willing to put in the time. Sometimes sleep is a commodity in my life. I have started a many businesses sitting on the phone and on the computer at the same time. So it can be done, we just have to be willing to put in the time to make it work.”

For the future, look for Rolle as he continues his gig at Showtime At The Apollo. In closing he says, “ Live with passion. I don’t want a single day to go by that I didn’t do something good in the world”. Upcoming events for Ralph Rolle include touring with Recording Artist Nile Rodgers and Chic in China and Japan. He’s also in the process of completing some voice over work and recently created an online social networking company entitled http://www.imgiggin.com/. His company, Rolle Entertainment is currently developing and working with singer Danielle Ashley and Singer/Counselor Dr. Eric Turner. The Soul Snack Cookie Brand (888-SOUL-NYC) or (http://www.soulsnacksnyc.com/Soul_Snacks/Home.html) is soon to be available nationwide via The Chef’s Warehouse Distributing Company. For more information about Ralph Rolle visit http://web.mac.com/phatkatproductions/Ralph_Rolle/Welcome.html

“Two Time Author, Dr. Martin-Stewart Returns With Miraculous Moments”

Some people just dream and make it through life on a whelm of excitement and charisma, while others take life serious, dotting every I and crossing every T. For some, miracles do come true, while others work a lifetime with no real success visible in anyway, shape or form. In short, we all have a distinctive path designed for us to grow, prosper and mature, and the greatest challenge in that is identifying with who we are, what we are and where we belong. Dr. Valerie Martin- Stewart, a gifted and encouraging activist of individualism and value driver principles, shares her talents and increased awareness of self by empowering others to fly higher, while rising above her own demons of rejection, self worth and criticism. In the past, many have witnessed Dr. Martin- Stewart as she’s electrified audiences at the Library of Congress, The Department of Treasury and in countless other venues. Without a doubt, her strength of experience has been her anthem for success, while painful issues, which have torn at the core of her existence, keep her grounded and ready for any new opportunity.

Dr. Valerie Martin-Stewart’s latest literary offering is entitled “Miraculous Moments: Living In The Super Natural’, which according to nation press is a very powerful book that all people, from all walks of life must read. And further says “Dr. Stewart has seen visions and dreams in the night for many years. More than just seeing them, she has witnessed most of them come to past”. “I love writing, ” says Dr. Stewart, “And when I retire my goal is to be a writer and motivational speaker full time. The materials that I write are motivational and self help, empowerment books. These books allow readers to look within themselves to see who they really are, the real sources of their own pain. Since I was 12 years old, I’ve had this vision, dreams over and over. A friend from Alabama told me that I had supernatural experiences and they would make a great book. So people who are churchgoers as well people who are not all enjoy reading these books. I like to also include on the back cover parables for truth.”

Dr. Stewart is a native of Mississippi. She over came people making fun of her slow speech by becoming one of the best in Women’s Basketball. She’s played in Peru, Italy, and Australia, where she received the coveted MVP Award and Defensive Player of the Year Award. “Sports has always been that outlet for me’” she explains. “ Growing up I was very shy and not really a people person. My friends would poke fun at me for any little thing. So playing basketball allowed me to find myself and develop something that I could be good at. It allowed me to shine”. Once she wrapped up her professional basketball career, she began working for the Australian Government, which eventually helped her find her way back to America. Once back in the states, she was hired by the Unites States Government, to later use her Doctorate Degree from Andersonville Theological Seminary to be come a successful Electrical Engineer. “Out of all the places that I’ve lived, Australia was probably my favorite. You would have thought that people were kind of racist there, but I found none of that. Instead I found people who were very open and encouraging, very outstanding. I was embraced while living there. In Italy there was the language barrier that I had to overcome, and the people were not all that friendly, but the food was really good. I had to have an interpreter in Peru, the language barrier was a major problem for me there as well. It was truly like culture shock for me. There were people on the streets who were homeless, poor, begging and lame. Again this was something that I never thought I would see there.”

Beyond her careers as an Electrical Engineer and Author, Dr. Stewart is also a licensed minister. She’s ministered in several countries, including Peru and Jamaica. “I’ve been running from my calling to be a ordained minister since I was in the 11^th grade, “ as she continues. “ Growing up in a Baptist Church, I was always told that a woman should not preach. Then in 1997, the feeling was just too great. I had to step up and do what God called me to do. This has given me an opportunity to do mission trips and talk to a lot of your women as well. Because I’ve been through so much, I feel as if I have something I can share with other women. I know that I’m not the only one who has felt rejected, been depressed, attempted suicide or thought about it. So my books, when it comes to others, are about how do I over come all of the pain that I’ve suffered throughout my life. My younger sister is inspired because she says that I’ve lived a dream life. I’m hesitant about some things I write about because I always look to be judged or put in a particular category”.

Dr. Stewart’s additional books include her first book- “Out Of Pain Came Poetry”, which was written as a pallet of poetic passages that she began writing at age 12. Many of her poems were written when she was very depressed, experiencing feelings of rejection and low self esteem. Over the years, people around the world have been inspired and moved to tears as they read and connected with each poem, discovering their own pain. Her second book- “Rise Above Rejection: Exposing the Little Girl in Me” is an earth-moving, true story about how she had a divine revelation of her past pain and suicidal thoughts moments after she was being tempted to end her life by pulling out in front of an 18-wheeler in 2003. Dr. Stewart has struggled most of her life with many emotions despite achieving many of her goals. She has painfully recorded her story with hope that all readers and listeners will be healed from their own rejection. “Rise Above Rejection: Exposing the Little Girl in Me” is slated to become a movie. Her fourth book, yet to be published is entitled “Do It Afraid”, which was taken from a seminar she conducted in 2006. All of her books are available in hardback, paperback and e-book versions.

For those interested in her live seminars, you can catch her at one of the following locations. On May 14, she will be Keynote Speaker for the Judah Praise Conference Segment called "Living Well" at Calvary Tabernacle in Long Island, NY. She will also participate in an Interview for the "New York Christian Times Magazine" in Long Island. Then an Interview on the National TV Show "Speak Lord" in Long Island. Next an Interview for the "Encore Generation Now" Magazine in Long Island. On May 21, she’s doing an Interview on the Radio Show WLVJ "Spiritual Downloads" in Miami, FL. On May 27, she’s doing an Interview on the Total Christian Television Network program entitled "I'm Just Sayin'" in Detroit, MI. On May 29, she’s doing an Interview on the Radio Show "What's the 411" WFSK in Nashville, TN. On June 4, she’ll be with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. (VA chapter) has selected her as one of six authors to be honored and featured at their event entitled "Rolling out the RED Carpet for Rising Authors" in Manassas, VA. And finally on Aug 3^rd, Dr. Stewart will be Keynote Speaker at the Dept. of Treasury 21st Financial Management Conference. For more information, please visit http://www.valeriemstewart.com/

Mark Adams/Pianist- Preserving Jazz At Any Cost

Since the early 1990’s, the piano sounds of Mark Adams have flooded the airways with artists such as Bell, Biv, Devoe, Mary J. Blige, Eyrah Badu, Savion Glover and many others. His unique studio tones have a way of ripening everything in their path. Although Hip-Hop paved the way, opening doors that welcomed in his stellar talent for entertaining, it’s his passion for Jazz that will keep you excited about all he has to offer. His latest is “Embellishments”, a collection of smooth Jazz idioms that feature a piano player at his best. The album is crafted with the delight of real instrumentation and not watered down tones that just any old musician can belt out. This album gives Adams’ the opportunity to enjoy delivering his craft with passion and confidence and for sure you will be delighted to welcome any project that bears his name.

Piano players are a dime a dozen, some good and some not so good, but Mark Adams is spectacular at what he does, and his music continues to compliment that. “ I studied Classical growing up, “says Adams. “I was influenced by Dennis Moorman, Ron Carter, and my idol and inspiration, Roy Ayers. This is what I call good Jazz Music. The musicians of my time, I consider good Jazz musicians, who were not only creative, but leaders in their crafts”. In efforts to continue what legends such as Moorman started, Adams has taken his skill and ability to the classroom. He’s currently on staff at York College (CUNY), where he teaches music theory, piano, jazz style and techniques, jazz improvisation and keyboard harmony. “I want to give our youth some of the opportunities that I had, and it’s getting harder and harder because of the budget cuts and all of that. So outside of my day-to-day job, I teach two times a week, giving kids private lessons, and instruction for free. President Obama sees the importance of preserving music in our schools, and a lot of people do, then there are a lot of people who do not. So there is really no real music anymore. And it’s not the kid’s fault; this is just the times in which they live. Also our Black schools get very few instruments because of budget cuts. So in providing classes for free, this is something that I like to do to kind of give back.”

When it comes to the music recorded for his latest, “Embellishment”, Adams’ explains, “Again, we don’t have a lot of that (real Jazz) right now, and I’m trying to keep it alive. One great thing about my career is that I’ve been able to play with many of the greats, including Roy Ayers. This album for me is well rounded. It gave me an opportunity to play what I felt and do it the way that I wanted to do it. Music and entertainment is about balance. That is important for young people to know. Music is like human nature. You don’t have to read music before you can play it. It’s a feeling, an emotion and that’s what I like to do with music”. Singles on the album include “Lady in My Life”, ‘Round Midnight”, “ All The Things That You Are”, “ Dedicated To You”, the lead single, “ Embellishments”, “If I Ruled The World”, “ Marleigh”, which features Jonathan Quash and Roy Ayers. Other singles are “ Mona Lisa”, “ Virtuous Patience”, “ Flamingo”, “ Angels Sing”, “ Final Answer” and “Stellar By Starlight”, which round out a very interesting set. “ My listeners are 18 years of age and up. Jazz Music is getting less and less airplay, and I’m very grateful for platforms like the Internet. People who have never heard of me before are discovering my music on the Internet. And it has it’s good and bad points, but it allows the world to see and hear you immediately. This will be the thing that keeps the new artists going. I know there are still real Jazz lovers out there who want an alternative, and that’s what I provide with Jazz music”.

In the past many followers of Adams have recognized his work on such productions as the Savion Glover produced and directed, “5 Guys Named Moe”, and “Hoofin and Bangin”, which have become Off Broadway Classics. Adams’ has also been seen playing piano in films such as “The Prince of Central Park”. But it’s his current work that has him excited,” . “Yes, it’s been real nice to be part of Roberts Music Group, which was formed by Barry Roberts. The label has a few new artists other than myself developing, and we’re getting ready to do some big things. I know we have a new record for 2012, with a new DJ Jazz project with a few Hip-Hop artists. Our goal is to bring some of the younger minds back to Jazz. Jazz started as Dance music and has evolved over the years into a variety of styles. And because Jazz is loosing its’ prominence of the past, I’m taking it upon myself to keep it alive. Again music is all about being grounded, and it’s sorry to say, but because a lot of the music programs in the schools are being cut, our African American kids are suffering the most. The cuts to the arts are so drastic that our kids don’t have a chance”.

Recently Adams participated in the Berks Jazz Festival in Reading, PA., along with such legendary artists as Joe Sample, Welton Felder and Wayne Henderson. To learn more about Pianist Mark Adams, visit, http://www.smooth-jazz.de/Artists4/Adams_Mark.htm or http://www.myspace.com/markadamssje