ATLANTA, May 2012

Bounce TV (http://bouncetv.com), the nation's first-ever over-the-air broadcast television network for African Americans, will launch a second new original comedy series Uptown Comic on June 18 immediately after the series premiere of the just-announced sitcom Family Time, it was announced today by Bounce TV Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Katz.

Uptown Comic will be a half-hour series featuring stage and skit performances by some of the hottest up-and-coming comics in the country. The show is currently in production in front of a live studio audience at the longest-running African American comedy club in the U.S. - Uptown Comedy Corner in Atlanta. Actor and comedian Joe Torry (Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam) hosts.

Bounce TV just announced its first-ever original series Family Time - a half hour situation comedy created by Bentley Kyle Evans (The Jamie Foxx Show, Martin, Love That Girl) and produced by Evans and partner Trenten Gumbs. Family Time is set to launch Monday, June 18 at 8:00 p.m. The series premiere of Uptown Comic will follow and be seen weekly at 8:30 p.m. (All Times Eastern.)

"Uptown Comic is a fresh new showcase for the next generation of break-out stars, perfectly pairing with Family Time to build Monday nights as an original programming destination for Bounce TV," commented Katz. "The speed of Bounce TV's historic growth is only accelerated by the addition of more demo-specific original programming that entertains our viewers while driving value for our affiliates and advertising partners."

The series is being produced by Rainforest Films, producers of the current hit theatrical "Think Like a Man" one of the top-grossing films of 2012 to date. Rainforest co-founders Rob Hardy and Will Packer are executive producers of Uptown Comic and both men are among the executive leadership team of Bounce TV.

Ryan Glover, President of Bounce TV said, "Will and Rob have been intimately involved with Bounce TV since the beginning. Our network's meteoric rise and growth allows us to unleash their unmatched creativity in developing compelling and fresh new original content sooner than we planned."

"We envision Uptown Comic combining the best elements of Def Comedy Jam and In Living Color," said Packer, producer with Hardy of "Stomp The Yard," "Obsessed," "Takers," "Think Like A Man" and more. "We think the series is a great jumping off point as we develop and produce more content for Bounce TV."

"Uptown Comic is just the beginning; we have many ideas in development for Bounce TV's original programming," commented Hardy who, in addition to his impressive movie credits, has also directed episodes of such hit shows as E.R., The Vampire Diaries, Bones and Criminal Minds. "The network's programming is very quickly growing into appointment viewing for the African American community. Will and I are truly excited to have a national television outlet for our creative vision and ideas."

Uptown Comic host Torry has hosted Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam and starred in hit comedies House Party and Strictly Business. Along with a multitude of TV appearances, he has also had significant movie roles in Poetic Justice, Sprung and Tales from the Hood. He is currently producing his first feature film Pawn Shop starring legendary actor/comedian Garrett Morris.

Family Time centers around the life and times of The Stallworths, a working class African American family who scratches off a lottery ticket and jumps to middle class overnight. They're an authentic picture of an African American family working to live the dream. This family-next-door consists of two loving parents: Anthony (Omar Gooding) and Lisa (Angell Conwell) Stallworth and their children Ebony (Jayla Calhoun) and Devin (Bentley Kyle Evans, Jr.) The Stallworths move to a middle class community in sunny southern California and both Anthony and Lisa bring baggage and other family members into their relationship that makes for great comedy – and occasional drama.

INSPIRING BLACK STAGE PLAY "HOZTAGE" ENTERTAINS AND EDIFIES WHILE ADDRESSING EVERYDAY LIFE CHALLENGES

-- The inspirational stage play, HOZTAGE, is a spiritual matrix filled with drama and action that creatively tackles many types of challenges and situations faced in everyday life. --

-- Showings on Saturday, May 19, 2012, 7:30pm, Kravis Center, Rinker Playhouse, West Palm Beach, FL and Saturday, June 2, 2012, 7:30pm, Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, Miami, FL. --

May 2012

BlackNews.com

Godz Sun Productions' presents the second showing of its stage play, Hoztage, which successfully debuted in January 2012. Written and directed by Genji Jacques, starring Daniel Dasent and a rock solid "A" cast, Hoztage gets to the heart of the matter. In this world, people wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spirits in high places. It's the colliding of two worlds that use their spiritual powers as a purpose to win souls. The fact is that good and evil is everywhere, but the point is, which one will stand and reign over the earth?

Keep up with the drama, action, comedy and surprises delivered in an unconventional format when Paul, a devout Christian, and three others are held captive by the evil drug lord, Diablo and his disciples. Diablo seeks to stop Paul's church from building other churches on his turf. The suspense intensifies, arguments break out and the act of betrayal takes its toll, which may cost someone's life.

Hoztage addresses everyday challenges with an action packed, suspense filled storyline. "I wrote this script because I want this play to have a global impact helping people to venture out and discover the symbolic life lessons so that it can bring change into their lives. It is designed to empower people to take action by moving on their faith destroying whatever is holding them 'Hoztage' which will allow them to move forward to their destiny," says Genji Jacques.

Although delivered in an entertaining fashion, it is also thought-provoking and brings forth many issues that are important to be addressed as a family unit.

TICKETS AND SHOWINGS:
Hoztage will have two summer shows: Saturday, May 19, 2012, 7:30pm, Kravis Center, Rinker Playhouse, West Palm Beach, FL and Saturday, June 2, 2012, 7:30pm, Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, Miami, FL. Tickets for the May 19, 2012 show are available at www.kravis.org/hoztage and tickets for the June 2, 2012 show are available at www.aventuracenter.org/Hoztage_aventura. Tickets are $27.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION COMPANY
Godz Sun Productions, Inc. produces quality, inspirational events such as theatrical off-broadway stage shows, dinner theaters and more all relating to everyday life. With a goal to provide a venue for actors to showcase their talent, they continuously demonstrate that life is a ministry on stage.

14th Annual Roxbury Massachusetts International Film Fesitval
June 14-17, 2012

Film Submission Dates & Rates

RIFF Opening Night Reception!
Held on Wednesday, June 13th, 2012, at The National Center of Afro-American Artists, the reception kicks off the 14th Annual Film Festival, followed by four amazing days of film screenings, workshops, panel discussions, and parties.

Check out RIFF's website, follow us on Twitter, and join the Facebook group for information on all the events for the most anticipated film festival in New England!

The Contradictions of Fair Hope - Closing Film, Sunday, June 17

Location & Time: TBA
Directed & Produced by S. Epatha Merkerson & Rockell Metcalf
Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg

Description:
July 1865. Over 4 million slaves have been freed. Forced to roam the antebellum countryside, many of them are ill prepared and unable to cope with the realities of their newfound freedom. This documentary examines a little known aspect of American history, when newly freed slaves throughout the South formed "benevolent societies" to respond to the abject hunger, illness and the fear of a pauper's grave.

The documentary sets the stage in rural Alabama, prior to Emancipation, and traces the development, struggles, contributions and gradual loss of tradition of one of the last remaining African American benevolent societies, known as "The Fair Hope Benevolent Society" in Uniontown, Alabama.

Through gripping human stories of some of the last surviving society members and interviews with historians and local residents, the film provides an unprecedented look at the complex and morally ambiguous world of Fair Hope juxtaposed against the worldly pleasures of what has become known as the annual "Foot Wash" celebration.

TV ONE’S FIRST EVER CULINARY COMPETITION SERIES MY MOMMA THROWS DOWN PREMIERES FRIDAY, MAY 4TH AT 8PM ET

-- Fast-paced, family cooking competition from the producers of Iron Chef America features a mix of the culinary elite and food-loving celebrities as judges and is hosted by comedian and actor Ralph Harris --

--Special pre-Mother’s Day celebration features a primetime mini-marathon Sunday, May 6 from 8-11 PM with the premiere episode, plus two all-new shows

May 2012

This May, TV One serves up a delicious take on culinary competition with the debut of its new primetime series My Momma Throws Down. Premiering Friday, May 4th from 8-9 PM ET, the fast-paced cooking contest features weekly face-offs between kitchen matriarchs to see who will be named the reigning queen of home cuisine.

My Momma Throws Down is hosted by comedian and actor Ralph Harris (On Our Own, Last Comic Standing, Dreamgirls, Evan Almighty) and produced by Triage Entertainment, the makers of Iron Chef America. Each week, two new mothers will compete head-to-head through two rounds to win cash and prizes. Backed by a lively team of family supporters, the mothers will demonstrate their skills in the kitchen, as they race against the clock to put their personal spin on classic dishes. A rotating panel of judges made up of culinary experts and celebrities decide each week which contestant deserves the bragging rights as “Top Momma.” In the May 4 premiere episode, the Soul Food sisters, actresses Nicole Ari Parker, Malinda Williams and Vanessa Williams join cookbook author and culinary historian Dr. Jessica Harris in judging the competition.

“At its core, My Momma Throws Down is a true celebration of the matriarch of the family, placing her passion, skills, down-home expertise, and reputation as a great cook on the line for all of America to witness,” said TV One President and CEO Wonya Lucas.

The rotating panel of judges is made up of a number of culinary elite and notable celebrities, including Chef Marcus Samuelsson, James Beard award-winning chef, cookbook author, chef/owner at the acclaimed Red Rooster Harlem and winner of Top Chef Masters; Marvin Woods, the celebrity chef, host, and author of cookbook Home Plate Cooking; Dr. Jessica Harris, educator, culinary historian, and writer of eleven cookbooks documenting the foods and foodways of the African Diaspora, including her latest, High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America; Melba Wilson, chef/owner of Melba’s, the Harlem fixture known for its signature chicken and waffles; Tanya Holland, the noted French-trained chef and owner of Brown Sugar Kitchen in West Oakland, CA and the author of New Soul Cooking: Updating a Cuisine Rich in Flavor and Tradition; and Chef Brian Hill, who initially rose to fame from his appearances on Top Chef and Food Network's Private Chefs of Beverly Hills, and now caters for celebrities including Eddie Murphy and Mary J. Blige.

Other celebrity judges during the eight-episode run include Trina and Towanda Braxton; Kandi Burruss from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”; comedian Loni Love; actor Rockmond Dunbar; Grammy Award-winning songwriter Bryan Michael Cox; and boxer, actor and model Ngo Okafor.

The competition is fierce, as each mother first provides her signature dish for both the judges and her adversary to rate, then races against the clock to create an entire meal on a moment’s notice. The families also play an important role throughout the episode, as they are presented with various challenges that can add or delete minutes from their mother’s cooking time. From a trivia quiz, to a special “smack down” challenge, to a “blind” taste-test - the results of which count towards the judges’ final decision - the families do all they can to help their mothers win.

New episodes are scheduled to air Fridays at 8 PM, repeating at 11 PM. However, as a special pre-Mother’s Day celebration, TV One will devote the whole evening Sunday, May 6 to My Momma Throws Down, beginning at 8 PM when it will re-air the premiere episode, followed by two all-new episodes at 9 and 10 PM, with the celebration repeating at 11 PM (all times ET).

Executive producer for TV One is Kaye Zusmann, and executive in charge of production is Tia Smith.

The Martha’s Vineyard Jazz Festival kicks – off  the 2^nd annual MV Jazzfest August 4^th -11^th 2012, featuring  Jason Moran, Terri Lyne Carrington, and a Quincy Troupe Book Signing Among Highlights

The festival is being coordinated by founder and executive producer John Lee, a long time island vacationer, and jazz presenter.

“We approach producing the festival like a musician approaches producing a recording” says Lee.” Last year was our first recording, we stuck with what we knew best, which was well received, this year with our sophomore album We want to continue with our mission of creating a permanent presence of America’s music on the island, but we will take few more chances in presenting jazz in its many different forms, music, literature, visual arts & film” 

In 2011 Lee called on some friends who he knew could present the music in their own unique way, and leave festival goers with an appetite for more this year in 2012, such as, six time Grammy nominated Nnenna Freelon, who also received the prestigious “Vinegaurd” award presented to a MVJF performer or artist who represents the true authenticity of jazz as an American art form. Antonio Hart, Ben Wolfe, and the great young vibraphonist Warren Wolf who Lee knows from Baltimore where he currently resides, rounded out the week last year. All Shows were sold out, some with standing room only.

This year MVJF is looking to add a few new elements to the week’s lineup including a “Cool Jazz Saturday “show featuring the best in contemporary jazz to kick things off August 4th at the Tabernacle. Headlining this show is the 2011 Grammy award winning Terri Lyne Carrington ( best jazz vocal album 2011 ) along with five other great performances throughout the afternoon by Guitarist Drew Davidsen, Sax man & Boston’s own Elan Trotman, Bass extraordinaire Gerald Veasley, the Urban Harmonica sounds of  Frederic Yonnet and from the Berklee College of Music ( a MVJF  sponsor) Edmar Colon.

The rest of the week will feature a book reading and signing by Author and poet Quincy Troupe (“Miles” The Autobiography) an art exhibit titled “The Art of Jazz” curated and hosted by The Featherstone Center for the Arts featuring island visual artist with special guest artist Preston Sampson, a film presentation presented by The Roxbury International Film Festival, and as always they kick-off with the 2nd line Jazz-Festers parade up Circuit ave with “Made in the Shade”

Sunday  through Saturday the festival presents its Jazz Club performances at Deon’s and Hooked at Lola’s in Oak Bluffs, Lee is a big fan of the jazz club atmosphere previously owning one himself in Baltimore called the “Wine Cellar” where he presented such musicians as Wes “Warm daddy “Anderson, Marcus Printup, Antonio Hart, Jeremy Pelt, Wynton Marsalis and many more current greats. Lee says “the jazz club atmosphere is the best environment to hear jazz, it gives you an opportunity to be up close and feel the music, and you can meet and talk with the musicians.

This year’s Jazz Club lineup at Deon’s features an all-star cast of the best emerging, most important talent on the scene today.  Most notably performing Monday August the 6^th is Blue Note Recording artist, Jazz Pianist, Jason Moran 

“Jason Moran [is] shaping up to be the most provocative thinker in current jazz.” – Rolling Stone

Since his formidable emergence on the music scene in the late 90s, jazz pianist Jason Moran has proven more than his brilliance as a performer. The Blue Note Records recording artist has established himself as a risk-taker and innovator of new directions for jazz as a whole.

In almost every category that matters – improvisation, composition, group concept, repertoire, technique and experimentation – Moran, and his group The Bandwagon – with bassist Tarus Mateen and drummer Nasheet Waits – have challenged the status quo, and earned the reputation as “the future of jazz.” Jason also in 2010 was the recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Genius award and was recently name artistic director for the Kennedy Center Jazz program, a position previously held by the late legendary pianist and educator Dr. Billy Taylor.

Completing the rest of the week is Nasheet Waits hailed as the most important drummer of our time, The Larry Brown Quintet with their journeymen sound, the Rodriguez Brother’s, Christian Sands, the most recent protégé of the late Dr. Billy Taylor and The Latin sounds of the Curtis Brothers.

Venues being used this year are Circuit ave, the Tabernacle, Deon’s Restaurant, The Featherstone Center for the Arts, Hooked at Lola’s, and Bunch of Grapes Bookstore

Current sponsors and festival partners for this year’s festival are:

Point Way Inn
Hooked at Lola’s
Featherstone Center for the Arts
Deon’s Restaurant
The Oak Bluffs Association

Tickets MV
The Steamship Authority – The Official Ferry Transportation Sponsor

Dynis Inc.
Berklee College of Music
Shearer Cottage
Hayes Design Studio
Jazz Times Magazine
The Roxbury International Film Festival
The Jazz In MEE
The Dexter Gordon Foundation

A portion of the Proceeds will be donated to the development of the Martha’s Vineyard Jazz Institute – An American Island Teaching America’s Music 

To see complete information, bios, lineup, venues, dates & times, please visit our website at www.mvjazzfest.com