June 12, 2006

Cruise Control

It's called a "party with a purpose." Each year syndicated radio jock Tom Joyner and his morning show cohorts (J. Anthony Brown, Sybil Wilkes, Myra J., Miss Dupree and Tavis Smiley) charter an entire Royal Caribbean cruise ship, call it 'Fantastic Voyage' and raise lots of money for historically black colleges and universities. This year, another $1 million was raised by the more than 3,500 guests on the sold-out Navigator of the Sea, where old school and new school music acts and comics performed over a seven-day trek through the Caribbean.

Performers on this year's 'Fantastic Voyage' included Earth, Wind & Fire, Kem, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Teena Marie, Doug E. Fresh, Vickie Winans, Chuck Brown, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Zapp, Fred Hammond, Bobby Brown, Morris Day & The Time, C.O.C.O. Brown & The Phat Cat Players, Mel Waiters, Slick Rick, Joe McBride, Shirley Murdock, Mike Phillips, Third World and Michael Ward. Comics Whoopi Goldberg, Tommy Davidson, Wanda Sykes, Damon Williams, Sheryl Underwood, Bruce Bruce, Adele Givens, Earthquake, Sommore, Gary Owens, G- Thang and A.J. Jamal also performed.

Former child star Emmanuel Lewis ('Webster'), gospel's Dr. Bobby Jones, NFL great Emmitt Smith and wife, Pat Smith, comic George Wallace, Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, author Terry McMillan, 'America's Next Top Model' contestant Tiffany Richardson, Dr. Ian Smith ('Celebrity Fit Club'), Bishop Eddie Long, NBA legend Julius Erving, promoter Al Wash (ALW Entertainment), public relations pro Lynn Allen Jeter and deejay Steve "Silk" Hurley were among the other notables cruising.

The 'Fantastic Voyage' offers so many activities that guests really didn't have to get off the ship when it stopped in Freeport, Bahamas; Nassau, Bahamas; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Royal Caribbean's private island, Labadee, Hispaniola. Everything from lectures by Tavis Smiley to book signings by Terry McMillan and art auctions, took place daily on the ship. Passengers could also stay 'Sweatin' in the Spirit' with Joyner's wife, fitness guru Donna Richardson Joyner, and her team of work-out warriors, who offered everything from water aerobics to jogging and pilates. There is even a water gun fight during the cruise's last port, and teams are divided by light skin versus dark skin. (It's a running bit from Joyner's show, and its all done in fun!)

Babyface rocked his two jam-packed shows at the Metropolis Theater on the ship. He received numerous standing ovations during the set, especially after performing "Whip Appeal"- the audience demanded two additional reprises. Surprise appearances by Bobby Brown, who sang his three Babyface-produced hits, and Babyface's brother Kevon Edmonds, who covered hits like Johnny Gill's "My, My, My, " were an added. Backstage Babyface told me that he's working on a new album and has several new acts he's developing. Additionally, he's producing an upcoming Bee-Gees tribute record. "The cruise is great! I didn't know it was going to be as cool and chill as it is. Kevon talked me into it because this is his second time on it. He told me I should definitely come because I am always trying not to do stuff," he said.

It was an overflow crowd in Studio B for both 2:00 a.m. shows by Bobby Brown. Whitney Houston's "King of R&B" wowed the crowd with such cuts as "Every Little Step," "My Prerogative," "Roni" and "Rock Wit'cha." Each night Brown brought a different woman onstage and would simulate some sex act with her. The first night, he had 'Top Model' finalist Tiffany Richardson join him-remember she's the one Tyra Banks screamed at: "I've never screamed at a girl like this in my life!" Since this is a family-friendly column, I can't report exactly what Brown did to her onstage, but let's just say his song "Humpin' Around" captures it quite well! Even better was night two when Brown had Reach Media's Marcelina Olan come onstage. The full- figured favorite gave Brown a lap dance he'll never forget and to top it all off, she picked him up and carried him across the stage. It was unbelievable!

Brown told me that his album is set to bow July 4, and that he's still trying to tour with SWV. He also said he's filmed a couple of movies that are slated to drop this year, and he's excited about the second season of 'Being Bobby Brown.' He claimed his wife wanted to join him on the cruise, but he said no. "She's at home with the kids. I wouldn't allow it. She's doing wonderful, thanks for asking," he added. Brown was such a hit, Joyner invited him back next year.

Wanda Sykes said she was convinced Joyner had struck a deal with the U.S. government to get Brown out of the country. "I was nervous 'cause I thought it was a ploy to take Bobby's ass back to Africa. I thought Tom hooked up with the Bush administration to get Bobby out of here for good since he caused so much trouble in the states," said the comedienne laughing.

Next year, Joyner's 'Fantastic Voyage' will set sail on the largest cruise ship on the water, Royal Caribbean's newest, Freedom of the Seas. If 'Queen of Comedy' Sommore has anything to do with it, there will be a lot more men onboard. "I don't know what we need to do to get more men on board. It gets to the point where you see woman talking to woman. And when you start talking to a man, women be jumping out from behind tables like, 'He's mine!' Maybe we should offer a two- for-one discount for men next year," she offered.

Random Observations:

Fred Hammond fought back laughter as comic Damon Williams made a joke about his best bud Kirk Franklin one night. "You know Kirk came out with his porn addiction. Now he's telling folks, 'For those of you who think gospel music has gone too far… it has! Now show your [breasts]," said Williams joking.

Teena Marie's keyboard player fell down a flight of stairs backstage of the Metropolis Theater after coming out of his dressing room. He spent the night in the infirmary, where he was x-rayed and given pain medication for the swelling. He was back onstage the second night.

Dining hall attendee Hera of the Philippines almost hypervenalated when Vickie Winans and Veda Brown of Black Gospel Promo tipped her $100 after their meal. Gratuity is covered on the 'Fantastic Voyage,' so the additional generosity of the two ladies completely overwhelmed the waitress.

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire had a run-in with the staff at the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami before boarding the cruise. There was a random $30 charge on White's tab at the hotel, and when the singer apparently questioned it, the hotel employee challenged he couldn't afford it. After realizing who the singer was, the hotel staff profusely apologized.

Buzzworthy

Condolences go out to Stevie Wonder. The star's mother Lula Hardaway, 74, passed last week. Hardaway lived in Woodland Hills, Calif. and apparently suffered from an assortment of illnesses. She and Wonder were at odds over her 2002 biography 'Blind Faith: The Miraculous Journey of Lula Hardaway and her son Stevie Wonder' (Simon & Schuster). We're glad to know they reconciled before she passed. On Wonder's voicemail, he spoke about "Momma Lula being in Heaven," and the day she died "was the most difficult day of his life."

It's hard to keep up with Serena Williams's dating life. The tennis pro had an unidentified dapper white guy on her arm last month at the Kentucky Derby. Now rumor has it that she's courting actor Jackie Long ('ATL'). Photos of the two vacationing in South Beach with gal pal Kelly Rowland are circulating on the net. At press time, her rep never answered a request for a comment. Williams previously dated Hollywood director Brett Ratner ('X-Men: 3') and football star LaVar Arrington.

Those in California should check out 'The Summer Breakout' show at the Fox Theater June 23 in Bakersfield, Calif. Performers include 'Half & Half' star Chico Benymon, former 'Moesha' star Marcus Paulk, Genovece and solo performances by former B2K members Raz-B and Lil' Fizz. Former B2K singer J-Boog will host the show and there are several surprise acts yet to be announced. For details, visit www.FoxTheaterOnline.com.

Fashion designer Kara Saun has signed with Agent 011. The Los Angeles-based designer, whose booming design business excelled after her appearance on Bravo's 'Project Runway,' has dressed everyone from Queen Latifah to Eve and outfitted shows like The WB's 'What I Like About You.' "I'm excited that the Kara Saun Collection will be in the hands of such a dynamic sales team and showcased in Agent 011's beautiful showroom. I'm looking forward to what promises to be a successful collaboration," said Saun. Agent 011 is a new multi-brand fashion showroom based in the Soho area of New York City that launched this past spring. The agency also operates from remote locations in Paris and Los Angeles during the cities' respective fashion weeks.

Can't Say Names…

I know the motto is: "What happens on the cruise stays on the cruise." But a female reality show contestant turned this year's Fantastic Voyage into the "Love Boat" by hooking up with one of the celebrity men onboard. Making a love connection on the cruise certainly isn't the issue, but the fact that dude is a married man sure is! Plus, I can assure you that they got together well before, what we like to call, 'Might As Well Night!'

Frankly Speaking

"This ain't a cruise for somebody going through divorce. There's love in every show. I love Teena Marie, but I couldn't' take another love song. I was trying to do a reality show called 'Get Rid of your B-h.' Then I realized that Bobby Brown already got that covered." - Comic Earthquake on life after divorce.