Entertainment

The 2018 Celebration of Legends annual event held May 31, 2018 did not disappoint. This Extravagant Affair was hosted by the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) and established to honor legendary artists who have influenced and made a significant contribution to African American music. A fitting tribute in itself as Nashville is widely known as “Music City USA.”

“As we’re still a year away from its planned opening in Nashville, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) made its presence known in a big way,” stated one of the NMAAM executives.

The awardees included; Gap Band front man Charlie “Uncle Charlie” Wilson, Chic guitarist Nile Rodgers, gospel great Yolanda Adams, Nashville-based blues star Keb’ Mo’ and entertainment mogul Mona Scott-Young.

The museum also assembled quite the lineup of artists to pay tribute to the honorees, including BeBe Winans, Tamia, Johnny Gill and Anthony Hamilton, who put a noted spin on Keb’ Mo’s “Am I Wrong.” Another one of the many show stopping performances was Avery Sunshine took the crowd to church with her tribute to Yolanda Adams blessing the audience with, “The Battle Is Not Yours”.

Keb’ Mo’ was the first to make an acceptance speech, but he wasn’t the last to stress that recognition from NMAAM was a very special honor indeed.

He proudly said; “I’m very blessed, very grateful and honored to be here in the room with folks that understand what I’m doing in the industry. ”I’m going to put this in the kitchen at the dinner table, so I can look at it when I have breakfast.”

After a tribute that included a performance from Tweet and a video message from Missy Elliott, Scott-Young spoke about her longtime role as a music manager.

“They say that is a thankless job, but tonight I have to disagree.”I get a chance every day to wake up to a world that’s not so kind, but bring more kindness and love to it, simply by existing, Because God placed a love in me for people that I can shake, and I don’t want to,” said. Adams.”

As the evening continued on, the performers continued to up the ante. Not long after Avery Sunshine brought the house down on Adams’ “The Battle is the Lord’s,” Johnny Gill was off the stage and in the crowd, eventually coaxing Charlie Wilson to take the lead on Gap Band’s “Ain’t Nothing but a Party.”

Wilson even kept singing during his acceptance speech, breaking into “I’m Blessed” at the podium, with the house band backing him up. Surely the event and all who had a hand in pulling it together or attending it will share pleasant memories for some time to come.

Plaza Mariachi Music City

Offers Multiple Opportunities for Cultural Experiences

Mark and Diane Janbakhsh would visit the land on Nolensville Pike where the empty Elysian Field Kroger once operated and dream how to redevelop the property to benefit both the community and Nashville. After taking a leap of faith and purchasing the property, they defined their vision and began work to create a special place unlike anything else in Middle Tennessee.  In May 2017, they opened Plaza Mariachi Music City, a mixed-use development designed to be a cultural and retail epicenter that celebrates Hispanic culture and history.

The south Nashville location was a perfect site to build a family-friendly, retail and entertainment center because of the highly diverse population along Nolensville Pike. Living and working in the area are Kurdish, Salvadorian, Indian, Middle Eastern and Mexican families who comprise this diverse community.

The Janbakhsh, owners of Plaza Mariachi, know first-hand how to market a culturally diverse development, it’s in their DNA.  Mark, born to Iranian immigrants, grew up in Nashville and has been a very successful businessman and entrepreneur.  Diane, whose parents are Hispanic, grew up in Mexico and Tennessee and used her talent in the design, art and music fields to help create a visually stunning Mexican marketplace.

In 2010, Hispanics made up 10% of Nashville’s metro area population. Projections indicate that number will increase to 34% by 2040, making Nashville one of the fastest growing Hispanic cities in America.  Plaza Mariachi was created to impact the local Latino community and to also educate non-Latinos.  The owners view Plaza Mariachi as a place to celebrate all cultures and how they intertwine.

During trips to Mexico, Diane and Mark were drawn to the architecture and the beauty they saw in streets, archways, doors, and windows. They incorporated these designs in the 70,000-square-foot space that now resembles a traditional Mexican marketplace. The transformation took over two years and more than 10 artisans to create the five calles (streets) named for Mexican revolutionary heroes and storefronts bearing Latino names.

The opening of Plaza Mariachi created 200 new jobs for Nashville with positions in the restaurants, retail shops, service-based businesses, art gallery, dance studio, Maz Fresco -a fresh market grocery and other businesses.

The Food Hall is Plaza Mariachi’s central meeting place and is open from morning to evening.  The 300-seat space provides complimentary WiFi for those having breakfast, lunch or dinner….or just dropping in to listen to live music.

For people looking for authentic cuisine, there are numerous menu options and price ranges from fine dining to a pop up cantina.  All Latino communities are represented including Peruvian, Puerto Rican, Venezuelan and Nicaraguan. Currently, there are 10 vendors in the food court. For a list of all food vendors, visit www.PlazaMariachi.com.

Music, dance, and art fill Plaza Mariachi on a daily basis. Musicians play from the state-of-the-art stage with LED lights in the Food Hall.  Bands invite everyone to enjoy the dance floor. The most popular night is Thursday Salsa Night. Salsa lessons start at 7:30 p.m. followed by salsa music. For a list of singers and bands performing each week, visit www.PlazaMariachi.com.

Children can learn about Hispanic culture through dance classes taught at the Baila Dance Studio.  To learn more about dance classes for children and adults, go to www.hispanicfamilyfoundation.com.

The Ceiba Art Gallery is a fine arts studio showcasing local and international talent. The showcased art connects people of different backgrounds. Weekend art projects are held for kids to expose them to different cultures in Latin America. For more information, visit www.ceibagallery.com.

Shoppers can find a variety of options at the various retail shops located inside Plaza Mariachi.  The HFF Gift Shop features artisan gifts from Mexico, Guatemala and Peru.  Sales from the shop directly support the Hispanic Family Foundation, which is located at Plaza Mariachi.  Browse the shops.  You can count on finding unique items in all the stores.

In addition to the retail shops, Plaza Mariachi is home to businesses designed to serve the Latino community. Businesses that provide help with purchasing cars, homes and insurance are located at Plaza Mariachi.  In addition, companies that provide tax services and legal services for immigration, criminal and personal matters are available.

Plaza Mariachi is located at 3955 Nolensville Pike in Nashville. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, contact:

Cristina O. Allen, Chief Marketing Officer

615-337-0624

3955 Nolensville Pike

Nashville, TN 37211

 

 

Directory Focuses on the Importance of Diversity in the Tennessee Business Community.

 

Nashville, Tenn. – Publisher and CEO Tunisia Scott announces the release of the 27th Edition of her business directory the Tennessee Minority Pages (TMP). This year’s issue focuses on the unstoppable rise of the entrepreneurial spirit of minority populations. TMP continues to recognize the diverse communities throughout the region with a goal of building bridges into the invaluable services of minority businesses.

Opening this edition is a profile of Dr. Min Wang, director of Wang Vision 3D Cataract and LASIK Center and world-renowned laser eye surgeon. Dr. Wang is also the co-founder of the Tennessee Immigrant and Minority Business Group, an organization that provides support to diverse cultural and ethnic companies. “Dr. Wang is a perfect example of what represents the businesses featured in the Tennessee Minority Pages,” said Scott.

The twenty-seventh edition offers various articles about organizations, businesses, and people of importance throughout the state of Tennessee. “We truly believe that we are more than a directory, better than a magazine,” explained Scott. “The Tennessee Minority Pages offers both consumers and business owners not only access to products and services they need but also information that is exclusive to the reader.”

TMP articles of interest include:

• An Urban League of Middle Tennessee Spotlight on 50 years of community development
• A visit to Plaza Mariachi, Nashville’s new hotspot
• Profiles of various Tennessee industry leaders
• A spotlight on Beauty Queen Lashan Mathews Dixon.
• And much more!

 

To download a free copy of the 27th Edition of the Tennessee Minority Pages visit www.tnminoritypages.com/27th-edition. To pick up a copy a list of distribution locations can be found at www.tnminoritypages.com/distribution-locations.
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About the Tennessee Minority Pages

 

Tennessee Minority Pages is the premier vehicle for Minority businesses to bridge the gap and cross-pollinate our rich, vibrant businesses with one another. The pages of TMP will be filled with the restaurants, community organizations, health and beauty and hundreds of other organizations that make up the melting pot that is the new and improved, diverse Middle Tennessee community! To learn more visit www.tnminoritypages.com

The weekend which the Black Music Honors & Awards took place can be scaled down to one word – the word “WOW” is what initially comes to mind. The classy lady known as both Nashville and Music City USA. A live taping television special took place on Friday, August 18, 2017, at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) in Nashville, TN.

Central City Productions will pay tribute to various high profiles, award-winning entertainers. They included: The Jacksons, Donnie McClurkin, Slick Rick, Guy, Oleta Adams and Jody Watley during the Black Music Honors.

The two-hour event acknowledged the legendary African American artists who have influenced and made significant musical contributions to African American culture and American music worldwide. Rickey Smiley, television/radio personality and Grammy Award-winner and actress LeToya Luckett, will co-host the show set to air on broadcast syndication, Sept. 2-30, 2017 and on Bounce TV, Tuesday, October 10, at 7:00 p.m. (EDT).

The legendary groups, The Jacksons graciously received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement in Music Award during the star-studded television taping. The Jacksons are still considered one of the hottest and most popular groups worldwide. The much-celebrated Jacksons made a remarkable performance debut at the event. Playing to a packed venue, the noted Jacksons performed some of their greatest hits, commanding an attentive audience to stand on their feet and cheer.

Stellar Awards and Grammy® Award-winner Donnie McClurkin, received the Gospel Music Icon Award; the R&B group Guy (creators of the New Jack Swing sound) was given the R&B Soul Music Icon Award; Grammy® nominated rapper Slick Rick was presented with the Hip Hop/Rap Music Icon Award. Timeless beauty, Grammy® nominated-singer Oleta Adams proudly received the Legends Award. Another Grammy® Award-winner, Jody Watley was recognized with the Crossover Music Icon Award.

“I am pleased and thrilled to honor some of today’s most influential and iconic music artists”, said Don Jackson, founder of Central City Productions and executive producer of Black Music Honors. “The caliber of this year’s honorees speaks to the incredible impact, breadth and depth of the music these artists have given to the world. I am truly excited about this year’s show. From a legendary group like The Jacksons, to Jody Watley, Donnie McClurkin, Slick Rick, Oleta Adams and Guy, we are paying tribute to extraordinary artists from various genres of the music industry”.

The Black Music Honors list continued to light up the night with other noted music and entertainment icons and special performances. There were special performances by Avery Sunshine, Dave Hollister, Jonathan Butler, Karen Clark Sheard, Kid N Play, Latrice Crawford, Leela James, Marvin Winans, SWV, Da Brat, Sevyn Streeter and more.

The Black Music Honors is produced by Central City Productions. Proceeds from the ticket sales will go to the National Museum of African American Music, scheduled to open in Nashville, TN, in 2019.

The event took place in Nashville, TN at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) located at 505 Deaderick St., in Nashville. The doors opened at 6:00 p.m. and the shows taping kicked off at 7:00 p.m. (CDT) However, due to CCP working with various networks and industry partners, it will be seen worldwide. Check your local and other listings and stay connected with social media and the websites for this and future productions.Also be sure to like www.facebook.com/BlackMusicHonors.

About Central City Productions (CCP)

Chicago’s premier TV Production Company. With 46 years of successful and innovative television production and marketing experience, Central City Productions (CCP) is a leader in minority- targeted television. CCP is a full-service television production company that produces, syndicates, and manages advertising sales for all its programs. CCP programs reflect the widespread diversity of talent, the one-time specials and the annual and/or weekly programs that have achieved tremendous mass audience appeal, including its flagship production of The Stellar Gospel Music Awards.
www.ccptv.com

The 47th Annual GMA DOVE Awards was so on point and almost electrifying. This year’s theme: ‘Love Amplified’ and as the seats and media room filled to capacity at the host venue; Lipscomb University Allen Arena, you could almost see the excitement building. There were so many valuable , working components including a bevy of pre-shows, showcases, concerts and VIP kick off receptions (as always) but the “day of the DOVES” will forever remain blessed and magical. Now organizers, talent, fans and everyone with an interest or passion with Christian, Gospel music, can sit back and enjoy the show – soon.

WHO:
Hosted by for KING & COUNTRY and Tye Tribbett, the 47th Annual GMA Dove Awards features performances by the biggest names in Christian and Gospel music, including Natalie Grant, Matthew West, The Isaacs, Anthony Brown, Tamela Mann, Hillsong UNITED and a special reunion performance by DC Talk.
Presenters include Lecrae, Hillary Scott, Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Lauren Daigle and more.
SoundExchange Digital Radio Award recipient: Chris Tomlin

WHAT: The GMA Dove Awards celebrate the contributions of artists from every style of Christian/Gospel music. Nominees are determined by over 1,600 professional members, and winners are voted on by the entire GMA membership of nearly 2,500.

WHEN: Airing Sunday, October 16 at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT and again on Saturday, October 22 at 11 PM ET/8 PM PT

About GMA:
Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country, Latin and more. The GMA community includes agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards and IMMERSE. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org.

About the Trinity Broadcasting Network: 
With thirty global networks, the Trinity Broadcasting Family of Networks is the world’s largest faith-and-family television group, airing a broad range of church and ministry programming, Christian music, family-friendly movies, children’s programming, and shows for teens and young adults 24 hours a day to every inhabited continent via 82 satellite channels and thousands of television and cable affiliates. In addition, TBN’s most popular global networks are available on computers, smart phones, and other mobile devices and over 40,000 entertaining and inspirational On-Demand programs are accessible via TBN’s innovative online network, iTBN.org.

To find out more about the Trinity Broadcasting Family of Networks, log on to www.tbn.org.

Recently a new event Honored Music Legends in Music City through tribute and song The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) was pleased to celebrate six acclaimed honorees and a foundational music label on August 18, 2016.

Celebrate the Soul: Black Music Honors, NMAAM’s first branded show of this caliber, was a television taping co-hosted by Grammy award winner, Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Grammy award nominated R&B Singer, Ledisi. The star-studded celebration honored noted music legends such as: Pastor Shirley Caesar, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Big Daddy Kane, Dionne Warwick, Clarence Avant of Stax Records

The night was filled with live, tribute performances featuring Grammy winning recording artists Eddie Levert, Tina Campbell, Ann Nesby, Deborah Cox, and Andra Day as well as Chubb Rock, Cherelle, Gerald Alston and Stokley Williams. Jekalyn Carr gave a dynamic performance that led up to Reverend Shirley Caesar being honored. Legendary, Grammy award winning groups, The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards and The SOS Band also performed. Presenters included Kirk Franklin, “Big Jim” Wright, Monie Love, Kathy Sledge, Ethiopia Habtemariam and H. Beecher Hicks, III (president and CEO of NMAAM), along with several others.

Nashville’s love for quality music and entertainment consistency has long since earned the vibrant city the title; “Music City USA.” The new brick and mortar museum forthcoming to the city will proudly display a bevy of talent history. The Black Honors was a night to remember as the Tennessee Performing Arts Commission (TPAC) venue hosted a packed audience. More quality programming and upcoming events representing NMAAM are in the works.

The Black Music Honors will air in Nashville, on WTVF-News Channel 5 on Sunday, September 4, 2016 at 3:00pm (CDT). The show will premiere nationally on the Bounce TV Network, Friday, September 23, 2016 at 9:00pm (EDT) and will re-air on Sunday, September 25, 2016 at 11:00am (EDT). The show will run in syndication on the Bounce and Aspire channels between September 23rd – October 9, 2016

Make plans to visit NMAAM in Music City, in late 2018 when the physical doors open.

The 2016 Summer NAMM show returned last week to Music City Center in Nashville, offering a robust platform for buyers, exhibitors and professionals to engage with the latest products, learn new business strategies and to connect with other industry peers.  Also to position their businesses for a successful second half of the year and “Spotlight Tennessee” was on hand with full coverage.

NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization’s popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that promotes the pleasures and benefits of making music and strengthens the $17 billion global music products industry..

“We are proud of our NAMM members who came to Nashville eager to learn, to make new business connections and to build deeper connections with their current partners, all in an effort to proactively plan for a strong fall and holiday season,” said Joe Lamond, NAMM president and CEO. “The industry continues to change rapidly and in my opinion, the clues to success were available to forward-thinking members on the show floor this year in Nashville.”

With the wealth of educational sessions and leading manufacturers on hand, 14,055 industry professionals registered for Summer NAMM, a 1% increase over 2015 and 14% over 2014. Of that, international attendees accounted for 12% growth over 2015, and 59% growth since 2014, making for the largest number of international participants at Summer NAMM in over a decade. The number of buyers attending Summer NAMM was comparable in count to 2015, however the mix continues to evolve. This year’s event saw a small drop in community music stores but an increase in member buyers from Asia and Europe, combined with a strong turnout of mid-to-large U.S. dealers, which populated the show floor with buying power.

The show counted a variety of new and returning exhibitors including Dunlop, Ernie Ball, Fender, Ovation, and Pearl, among many others, and with Summer NAMM veterans like Martin, Peavey, Roland, Sabian, Taylor, Yamaha, and Zildjian returning to showcase their latest gear. This year’s show saw a rise in exhibitors with 1,650 brands represented by 517 exhibitors, an increase of 5% over 2015.

Professional education was a strong draw for many, as NAMM U and TEC Tracks offered 54 sessions that covered a variety of business-enhancing topics, all in an effort to position attendees for success. “This is my thirty-fifth year in business, and most of my total education on retailing has come from NAMM through NAMM U. It has been great for me,” said David Schmidt, of Schmidt’s Music in Pensacola, Florida.

Show Recap:

The show opened on Thursday with a NAMM U breakfast session, The Online Retail Summit, where retailers who have made a place in online retailing relayed to the crowd their lessons learned, best practices and tips for success. On the floor of the show, the Music City Center was abuzz with a variety of new product debuts, business meetings and orders. Throughout the day, members enjoyed the NAMM Nissan Terrace Stage which featured a variety of performers. The day’s events were capped with a high-spirited performance from the legendary Charlie Daniels Band as part of the first ever, NAMM at Night opening party.

On Friday morning, the show opened with a “no holds barred” breakfast session with NAMM U veteran speaker, Jeffrey Hayzlett.

Hayzlett energized the morning crowd with his candid assessment of businesses that succeed and businesses that fail. Friday evening was capped with the Top 100 Dealer awards. Now in their sixth year, the Top 100 applaud excellence and innovation in music products retailing and this, year recognized Contemporary Music Center with the prestigious Dealer of the Year award. The event was hosted by Country Music Television personality Cody Alan, complete with live band, Tim Akers and The Smoking Session.