BV Entertainment Newswire July 10

Good 'Mourning'

Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning may be basking in the afterglow of his first NBA championship, but the all-star athlete is still getting his groove on.

From July 13-July 16, Mourning will host the 10th Annual Tyson Foods Zo's Summer Groove (ZSG) throughout Miami and South Florida. The philanthropic endeavor benefits the Alonzo Mourning Charities' network of organizations (which includes 100 Black Men of South Florida, Children's Home Society of Florida, Honey Shine Mentoring Program and the Overtown Youth Center) and will feature music concerts, comedy showcases a, golf tournament, and an all-star basketball game.

"ZSG works to promote community involvement by encouraging event participants to enjoy a weekend of activities that ultimately benefits South Florida's most underserved children and families," said Mourning.

NBA players such as Antoine Walker, Dikembe Mutombo, and Nick Van Exel are scheduled to tee-off at the Golf Classic on July 13, while comedians Steve Harvey, J. Anthony Brown, and Katt Williams, will headline the Comedy Show July 14 at the American Airlines Arena. During the show, hip-hop superstar Ludacris will perform.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson will be honored for his community service at the Celebration Gala July 15 at the American Airlines Arena, where a silent and live auction --featuring sports memorabilia, jewelry from Tiffany & Co., unique getaways and personal time with Mourning -- will take place.

Later that evening, Miami's resident pop superstar Gloria Estafan takes center stage for a special one-time performance at the American Airlines Arena.

"I am truly honored to have Gloria perform at our concert," Mourning added. "She is a fixture in this community and I've admired her talent as a singer, but mostly her contributions to South Florida. Her involvement is timely as we celebrate 10 years of Zo's Summer Groove -- Miami style."

David Banner and Nick Cannon will perform at the All Star Block Party July 16, outside the American Airlines Arena. The Mardi Gras inspired afternoon celebration will include stilt walkers, steel drummers, jugglers, magicians, tattoo and caricature artists, free rides, games, food and music. The Block Party is free to the public.

Trick Daddy, Rick Ross, and Dre will perform a half-time show during the Carnival Cruise Lines ZSG All-Star Basketball Game at the American Airlines Arena later that day.

Founded in 1997, Alonzo Mourning Charities, Inc. is a fundraising foundation that provides support to organizations that serve children and "youth of promise" with an emphasis on school age children. The foundation has raised over $5 million for various organizations that aid in the development of underserved children and their families

Proof Positive

A website has been launched to help raise financial support for the widow and five children of rapper Proof, who was shot and killed April 11.

Born Deshaun Dupree Holton, the 32-year-old was a pioneer in Detroit hip-hop and his association with Eminemand the group D12 marked him as a prominent figure.

The website, www.bigproof4ever.com, is a collaboration between D12's management, Goliath Artists, and his record label, Eminem's Shady Records, and offers fans the opportunity to purchase a memorial t-shirt and poster (created by graphic designer Shepard Fairey, renowned for his "Obey" series.)

The concept for the t-shirt first surfaced at Proof's funeral services, where many mourners wore t-shirts with Proof's image that said "Big Proof Forever 1973-2006."

"People were affected by Proof's death and touched by the way he lived his life, whether they were friends, fans, or both. Some of those very people, who work in the art and merchandising worlds, reached out to find a way to creatively celebrate Proof's life," said Marc LaBelle, Sr. VP of A&R and Marketing for Shady Records.

All proceeds will go to the Big Proof Forever Foundation, established by Shady Records.

"Proof was completely selfless," said his manager John Fisher. "We didn't want that spirit of giving to go away just because he is no longer with us. Every penny of the profits will go to his family. We wanted to commemorate his life, not his passing, and continue his legacy."

The www.bigproof4ever.com website is expected to continue indefinitely as well. Updates will enable fans to purchase additional items and so assist his family in the future.

Madea's Touch

Tyler Perry really has the Midas touch.

The DVD debut of his second theatrical film 'Madea's Family Reunion' coupled with the release of the DVD's of Perry's stage shows 'Madea Goes To Jail' and 'Why Did I get Married' (starring R&B veteran Cheryl Pepsii Riley) accounted for 3.6 million copies sold in their opening week.

"Tyler Perry is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon," said Lionsgate President Steve Beeks. "He has an enormously loyal following, which continues to grow with each new theatrical and DVD release. His way of delivering incredibly strong moral messages through laughter is something that is unique among today's filmmakers."

Lionsgate, quickly becoming the leading independent film entertainment studio, has now released nine DVD's based on Tyler Perry's works in the past year, and according to a spokesperson, the titles have sold over 11 million copies to date.

Perry's two theatrical films -- 'Diary of a Mad Black Woman' and 'Madea's Family Reunion' -- for Lionsgate have grossed a combined $113 million at the North American box office.

"We are very fortunate to be partnered with such a wonderful creative talent and look forward to many more releases based on his works down the road as well as continuing to extend Tyler's success to many media platforms," added Beeks.

New Murphy's Law

Charlie Murphy is taking his show on the road.

As one of the break-out stars of the Emmy nominated 'Chappelle's Show,' Eddie Murphy's younger brother is one of the headliners of the 'Maxim/Bud Light Real Men of Comedy Tour,' which kicks off September 28 at The Pageant in St. Louis.

The 20-city tour will also feature 'Fear Factor's' Joe Rogan, and 'Last Comic Standing's' John Heffron.

The tours also features a unique local comedian search at each stop and the comedians will perform material about what it's like to be a man... for men, and for women who want to learn more about men.

Confirmed cities include Dallas (Oct. 5), Syracuse (Oct. 15), Washington, DC (Oct.26) and Boston (Oct. 28).

Grey's Showing

Shonda Rhimes' hit ABC drama 'Grey's Anatomy' racked up 11 Emmy Award nominations last week, including nods for best drama and a best supporting actress for Chandra Wilson. The impressive tally was second only to the Fox action drama '24.'

Acclaimed actors Andre Braugher and Alfre Woodard earned acting nods for their respective roles in FX’s 'Thief' and ABC’s 'Desperate Housewives.'

The Emmy Awards are scheduled to air Aug. 27 on NBC, with Conan O'Brien as host of the Shrine Auditorium ceremony.