By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com
Anyone who knows anything about me, has followed this column or heard my commentaries on the 'Tom Joyner Morning Show' know that my childhood idol was Al B. Sure.
It's definitely no secret that growing up, I thought I was Al B. Sure, wanted to sing like Johnny Gill and dreamed of being a member of New Edition.
So when publicist Neeta Wooten of Ideal Public Relations invited me to the New Jack Swing crooner's 40th birthday bash at CineSpace in
Despite the invitation saying the soiree was a celebration for "family, friends and celebrity guests," the party was thrown in conjunction with the weekly RnB Live Hollywood open microphone night and let's just say there was way too many people there for me!
Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the bash for the most part.
One of the night's highlights included seeing actor Keith Robinson ('Dreamgirls') perform two Michael Jackson classics. Robinson wowed the crowd with his delivery of 'I Can't Help It' and 'Lady of My Life.'
Many actors have aspirations of being singers, but Robinson, who was once a member of an R&B group called Bliss that was signed to Motown, was a singer before he began acting. Vocally, he can stand up on stage with most contemporary R&B artists.
He was joined onstage by R&B singer Jon B. (Remember, Jon B. was Robin Thicke before Robin Thicke was Robin Thicke.) They performed the blue-eyed soul crooner's hit song, 'Don't Talk.'
Later, Allie Woodson of the Temptations, newcomer Andre Pitre and the birthday boy himself joined Robinson and Jon B. for an ambitious rendition of the Quincy Jones-produced classic, 'Secret Garden.'
Sure, who attended the soiree with his two sons Lil' B. Sure and Quincy Brown, recorded the original version of the ballad nearly 20 years ago with James Ingram, El Debarge and the late Barry White.
In addition to the many aspiring artists who showcased in song throughout the night, comedian Tommy Davidson sang an occasional song or two while hosting the night.
Bill Bellamy ('Last Comic Standing') also delivered a short standup set and then attempted to sing a Guy song with Davidson. I definitely know why Bellamy tells jokes for a living!
Among the other celebrities I spotted throughout the night included singer Eric Benet, reality star Omarosa, singer Lina, Landon Brown ('Rock the Cradle'), actress Mari Morrow, Chico Benymon ('Half & Half'), Trenyce ('American Idol'), 
comedienne Lunelle, Judge Greg Mathis, actress Angell Conwell, comic Guy Torry, Telma Hopkins ('Half & Half'), Willie Mac ('College Hill: Virgin Islands'), actress Elise Neal, deejay Spinderella, music producer Stevie J, singer Nysa Shenay, Claudia Jordan ('Deal or No Deal'), actor Clifton Powell, Toccara Jones ('America's Next Top Model'), Saaphyri ('Monique's Charm School'), Dorien Wilson ('The Parker's'), Lanisha Cole ('The Price Is Right'), fitness expert Jeanette Jenkins, J.T. ('College Hill: Virgin Islands') and a bevy of local Hollywood tastemakers (like publicist Brandon Bragg who reps RnB Live Hollywood) and industry executives.
I look forward to attending RnB Live Hollywood again. Without the additional audience that my childhood idol's birthday bash brought to the night, I'm told it's usually a really fun evening!
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The dean of
Stevenson, a trailblazer and pioneer for publicists in
After 20 years of opening some of Tinseltown's greatest releases and making sure the often overlooked African American journalists, radio personalities and TV reporters were included; Stevenson is officially retired! 
A who's who collective of journalists, publicists, photographers, industry executives, family and friends came together on Friday, June 6 to salute Stevenson and send her off with a retirement bash at the Universal Grill on the Universal Studios lot.
'Good Times' star Ja'Net Dubois was also on hand for the bash.
A night of food, fun and fellowship was bittersweet for many like me, who cover the film business and get invited on numerous film junkets throughout the year because of Stevenson's initial invitation years ago.
While all are excited for the anticipation Stevenson has for traveling and enjoying her vacation, we all will miss her dearly!
Hey Roz – We love and appreciate you more than you'll ever know!
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BV Scene: Singer Jermaine Jackson parking his white Rolls Royce and shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills with a female guest... Former NFL star Eddie George dining alone at Crustaceans in
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The hip, contemporary hotel has immaculate customer service, knowledgeable personnel and great amenities.
Sleek modern décor, comfortable beds, huge showers and spacious bathrooms, an enormous flat-screen TV and daily fruit delivery are just many of the Sofitel LA's attributes that stood out to me. Additionally, the turnaround time on having your car delivered by the valet was probably the best I've experienced in
Their restaurant Simon
I also visited their amazing spa, LeSpa, where I received a relaxing deep tissue massage.
The Sofitel LA will also be the host property for the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) this fall.
If you're planning to travel to
Special acknowledgement of Steve Valentine of Valentine Group Public Relations and Robin McClain of LA Inc. The Convention and Visitors Bureau for their assistance with this excursion.
For additional details on Sofitel LA visit: www.sofitella.com ******
VIDEO: Check out this vintage clip of Al B. Sure being interviewed on the 'Rolonda' talk show.
Its gracious manager Q-Juan Taylor even came over to great my guest and I.
1. Al B Sure still looks GOOD for his age. I wish he didn't have those shades on so that I could see his pretty eyes though? I loved his music growing up and still play his music today. His one son look just like him. I know his other son on the right, was on some kind of talent show on T. V.. He has the potential but needs to work very hard if he wants to be the STAR Daddy once was.
Always A Fan of Al B. Sure! at 7:41AM on Jun 9th 2008