BV Entertainment Newswire May 29

Holliday Heart

Jennifer Holliday is on a mission.

While Hollywood is all abuzz about the forthcoming film adaptation of 'Dreamgirls' --starring Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy-- the Tony Award winning star of the hit Broadway musical has her sights set elsewhere.

On June 11, she's scheduled to co-host the annual "Black 2: Broadway Celebrates the Tony Awards" event, to be held at New York City's B.B. King Blues Club. This year's festivities -- including dinner, big screen viewing of this year's ceremony, and live performances from numerous theater stars -- commemorates the 25th anniversary of 'Dreamgirls.'

"They wanted to just honor me and I said, 'Well, I have already been honored so many times, let's celebrate the entire cast," Holliday, told Black Voices. "I said especially being with this being the 25th year, this would be really special."

The original production of 'Dreamgirls' officially opened at Broadway's Imperial Theater on Dec. 20, 1981. Written by Tom Eyen, with musical arrangements by Harold Wheeler, cast members included Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Holliday, Loretta Devine, Debbie Burrell, Ben Harney, Obba Babatunde, Cleavant Derricks and Vondie Curtis-Hall. Supporting players included David Alan Grier, Phylicia Allen-Ayers (now known as Phylicia Rashad), Vanessa Bell, Charles Randolph-Wright and Brenda Braxton. "All of [us] came out of 'Dreamgirls,'" she added. "It was just a launching pad for so many people to cut their teeth doing stuff."

Considered the most successful black Broadway show, 'Dreamgirls' was loosely based on the ups and downs of The Supremes. Playing over 1500 shows in three and a half years-- the Michael Bennett-helmed tour-de-force netted seven Tony Awards, among other accolades.

"It takes more than one person to build something," Holliday said. "It's not just my performance … there were eight of us right there in the forefront, bringing life to something, giving birth."

Never one to mince words, the Houston native revealed she's very selective about what she lends her name to, and has declined previous offers. This go-round when Black 2: Broadway's co-founder and principal Kevin-Anthony approached her, it was perfect timing.

"I've just really been impressed with him in terms of his commitment," she shared. "He has been faithful, and it’s a great way to help others out of it. And to me, it was more than flash."

"Having Miss Holliday be a part of this year's celebration is wonderful," Anthony said." I think it was a selfless act of true showmanship for a woman of her legacy to participate in the way she have."

Serving its mission "to create a support structure for the ongoing development and proliferation of talent and new works generated by and produced by people of color," proceeds from this year's event will benefit Black 2: Works, a non-profit organization that awards grants to established performers mentoring young performers.

"I know it's nice to have fun and hang out, but it would be a really purposeful party with the movie coming out later this year, the show's anniversary, and [Black 2: Broadway's] fifth anniversary… I was looking at it like how we can make the most of the moment."

Big B'Day

Beyonce's sophomore album, titled 'B'Day,' will be released worldwide on Sep. 4, on her 25th birthday. Boasting all new music co-produced, written and arranged by the former Destiny's Child front woman, a spokesperson confirmed that the set will feature collaborations with Rich Harrison, The Neptunes, and Swizz Beatz.

The first single, 'Deja Vu,' features Jay-Z, and is co-produced by multiple Grammy Award nominated hit maker Rodney Jerkins.

'B'Day' is the follow-up to 2003's chart-topping solo debut, 'Dangerously In Love,' which earned her five Grammy Awards and went on to sell over 11 million copies.

'SERIES-US' BUSINESS

The theme of the 2006 Essence Music Festival, held this year from July 1 through July 3 in Houston, is "A Bigger Party with a Deeper Purpose." Organizers recently announced that “Essence Cares: A Call to Action,” a special initiative of empowerment seminars for Katrina survivors.

Speakers and performers who are confirmed to participate in the seminars include Yolanda Adams, Common, Angela Davis, Michael Eric Dyson, Danny Glover, Minister Louis Farrakhan, Jamie Foxx, Terrence Howard, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Queen Latifah, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Donnie McClurkin, Mo’Nique, Nas, Kevin Powell, Jill Scott, Reverend Al Sharpton, Karrine Steffans and Terrie Williams.

The seminars --presented by Coca Cola -- are free and open to the public.

Dash For The Cash

Damon Dash has signed a deal with independent music company, Koch Records. Koch will distribute new music from the former Roc-A-Fella Records head honcho under his Damon Dash Music Group banner. Koch also distributes music for Master P, William Hung, Jeffrey Osborne and Melissa Manchester.

Dash's first release will be the new album by dancehall star Sizzla -- titled 'The Overstanding,' due out this summer. It’s considered "music inspired from [the forthcoming Lee Daniels movie 'Shadowboxer,' which Dash co-produced]."

Dash isn't the only urban music power player who recently joined forces with Koch: Former Motown/Universal CEO Kedar Massenburg recently closed a deal for Koch to distribute his Kedar Entertainment imprint, former home to neo-soul artists India.Arie, Chico Debarge and Erykah Badu. Massenburg, a former attorney, is credited with discovering the aforementioned artists, and D'Angelo. Kedar's first release will be a new album by Buffalo, N.Y. native Sansom.

"We are all very excited about these deals with such talented partners and are looking forward to long, fruitful and profitable partnerships," Koch President Bob Frank said.