Fetch Clay, Make Man in Atlanta



Fetch Clay, Make Man is a wonderful True Colors production about Muhammad Ali preparing for his rematch with Sonny Liston. He brings in an unlikely secret weapon when he asked controversial actor Stepin Fetchit to come visit him at his training camp. Fetchit's arrival stirs up emotions in everyone for different reasons and changes their lives. Brad Raymond does a magnificent job playing Stepin Fetchit.

 

 

Once again I've enjoyed being a behind the scenes part of the show that is directed by Eric Little. Playwright Will Power even stopped by to talk to the cast and crew during rehearsal. Rob Demery personified Ali. He was always in character and had great chemistry with actress Danielle Deadwyler who played Sonji, his first wife.  

 



 

 

Fetch Clay, Make Man is at the Southwest Art Center until November 22nd. It's a great show so make sure you grab a friend and get your tickets.

Cast

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Glimmer in the Darkness

Do you love books? Here is your chance to win a copy of Glimmer in the Darkness by Nicole Hampton. I'm participating in a blog tour for her debut novel that is being released this week. All readers who leave a comment on this post will be entered in the contest for a chance to receive a free copy of her book.

 



 

For Shannon Johnson, full-time wife, mom and freelance writer, life as she knew it changed one spring afternoon with the ringing of her doorbell.  On the other side stood Vaneetra James, former mistress of Shannon’s husband, Daniel.  With two sons, Shannon resisted the urge to leave Daniel in order to keep her family intact. However, she refused to deal with the issues resulting from Daniel’s extramarital affair. 

 

When Shannon thought her life couldn’t get any worse, a tragic turn of events in Vaneetra’s life turned Shannon’s already fractured world upside down, sending her marriage into an even deeper peril.

 

Feeling desperate and trapped, Shannon made a series of rash decisions that landed her in the arms of another man, bringing her already fragile world crashing downward.  Having to come to grips with the reality that the man she once thought was extraordinary was just ordinary, she had to trudge the road of forgiveness, while learning to love again and accept what she never imagined could ever exist.
 

 



 

I had the opportunity to interview Nicole. We have a couple things in common since we are both new authors and sharing the same name.

Me: What did you do before you became an author?

Author:Prior to becoming an author, I was a social worker.  I currently continue to work in the social work profession.

Me: Who is your favorite author?

Author: I absolutely love reading and enjoy the works of a considerable number of authors, so it is difficult for me to choose just one author as a favorite.  My top four are women’s contemporary author, Trice Hickman; mystery and suspense authors, James Patterson, Jan Burke and Kathy Reichs. 

Me: How did you come up with the idea of Shannon’s husband's pregnant mistress showing up on her doorstep?

Author: The idea manifested after Vaneetra’s character was fully developed.  She is bold, and ruthless.  She would not be the type of person to call or send a note.  She looks for that shock value.

Me: Can we expect the same drama from your next book?

Author: There will definitely be more drama.  My next two books, will be a part of my Forgiveness series, and will focus on the lives of characters in Glimmer in the Darkness.   I will be writing a novella the will be dedicated to Jolene, Daniel’s sister.  It will delve into why she is on a man strike.  The reason may surprise readers. 
My second full length novel will focus on Vaneetra, and her emotional fall out of dealing with a health crisis, as well as why she is so cold hearted.  There will definitely be a lot of drama.  Other Glimmer in the Darkness characters will resurface, as well as a couple of new characters.

Me: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Author: My advice for new authors is to put God first in everything that you do.  Stay in prayer, and ask him to frame your every move.  Write with the idea of wanting to touch someone’s life.  Always remain determined and be willing to travel the distance.  Leave room for error and learn from your mistakes.  Take classes, attend workshops, seek and take advice from other professionals in the business.  Finally be willing to work hard for free.

Me: How can readers keep up with you?

Author: Readers can keep up with me by visiting my website: www.thenicolehampton.com.  You can track where I am and what I am thinking.  Readers can allow follow me on my FaceBook pages Nicole Hampton, and Twitter account: @nicolehampton01, Google+: thenicolehampton@gmail.com




 

Brown Girls Books Launch Party

 



Last Saturday, Brown Girl Books had their launch party in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founders Victoria Christopher Murray and ReShonda Tate Billingsley spoke to the audience about why they started Brown Girls in 2014 and the successes that they have had so far.

Guests were treated to a delicious dinner, got to meet the authors, had a chance to win prizes, purchase books, and take home the beautiful program to remember the evening. I am honored to be one of the newest authors in the imprint Brown Girls Faith. Here I am telling the audience of readers, family, and friends about my book which comes out in the spring of 2016.



A lot of the authors follow each other on social media, but this was the first time I got to meet most of them in person. We had a great time with our readers and each other. Here are most of us posing for pictures on the red carpet.

Please visit Brown Girls Publishing website for more information about the authors and their books.

Jar the Floor Atlanta

Atlanta is a great place to live especially if you love the theatre, because it is home to a lot of talented actors and actresses. Jar the Floor has five outstanding actresses in it's cast. Bernadine Mitchell, Donna Biscoe, Cicerly Ash, D. Woods, and Cara Mantella star in this play about four generations of women.  

 

The show is based around a birthday party. But it's not all peaches and cream when the ladies with very different personalities come together under one roof. You will laugh, be shocked, shake your head, and you may even cry when you see this must-see show.

I've had the opportunity to work with the cast and crew up close and personal behind the scenes since rehearsals began. Here is a picture of most of the cast and the director Robert Conner. Jar the Floor was written by Cheryl L West and can be seen at the Southwest Art Center until October 4th.
 

My J Moss Cover Story for Divine Voice

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview gospel recording artist/writer/producer J Moss for Divine Voice Magazine about getting back on track. Some of his hit songs include We Must Praise, Praise on the Inside, and God's Got It.

We talked about the devastating fire at his home, family, his hometown Detroit, the new record label, Michael Jackson, touring, and a lot more. Make sure you pick up a copy of the September/October issue to read my cover story.

 

Chasin' Dem Blues

This summer, I had the opportunity to be a part of True Colors Theatre Company's Chasin' Dem Blues. The musical stars Maiesha McQueen, Brad Raymond, Jeremy Cohen, and Anthony David.

 

Kevin Ramsey is the very talented writer and director behind this production. He tells the story of how the Wisconsin Chair Company became Paramount Records. Legends such as Ma Rainey were artists on this label. The company sold race records during the 1920's and 1930's until the great depression hit. 

Chasin' Dem Blues is playing now through August 9th at the Southwest Art Center in Atlanta. It was originally scheduled to end August 2nd, but it has been extended. Shows are selling out fast so don't miss your chance to see this great musical production.

I was able to sit in on the rehearsals and assist the stage manager, wardrober, and the cast backstage during the shows. It was a wonderful chance for me to learn more about the theatre and I'm glad that I was given this opportunity to do so.

Cast

BET Awards 2015

Last night, I watched the 15th annual BET Awards live from Los Angeles. Nominees from TV, film, and music were honored for their achievements in the industry. Here are a few of my favorite looks from the red carpet.

Singer/actress LeToya Luckett looked fierce in her white draped gown with the high split. It even had a cute pocket on the side.



 

Angela Simmons wore this gorgeous mini shear dress like it was made especially for her.

Even though it's officially summer time and Kelly Rowland's dress looked like suede, the feathers more than made up for it. What can I say? I love feathers.

But my favorite dress of the night was worn by another member of Destiny's Child, Michelle Williams. She won best dressed in this green body hugging gown.

LeToya
Angela
Kelly
Michelle 

My Interview With Donovan W. Carter for Divine Voice

Recently, I had the opportunity to write an article for Divine Voice Magazine for their May/June Accentuate the Positive issue. I interviewed former UCLA Bruins football player turned actor Donovan W. Carter.

 

 

He will be starring in HBO's new show Ballers with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Ballers is a thirty minute comedy about the lives of professional football players and their families. It premiers June 21st at 10:00 PM.

 

 

 

Be sure to check out the article to hear all about his transition into acting, working with "The Rock", his plans for the future, and much more. You can subscribe to Divine Voice here.

 

 



 

Cover

Article
Donovan & The Rock

Summer Blockbusters



This summer is full of blockbuster franchise movies. So far I've seen Furious 7 and Avengers: Age of Ultron. Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation comes out at the end of July. But the two movies that I am really looking forward to watching are Jurassic World and Terminator Genisys.

 

I've been a huge fan of Jurassic Park movies since the first one in 1993. I have been waiting since 2001 for another sequel to be released. The wait is over on June 12th. 

 

Jurassic World is the fourth movie in the series about scientist cloning dinasaurs for an amusement park. Of course we all know how wrong this plan goes when the dinosaurs fight back.

 



Terminator Genisys is the fifth film in this franchise. I remember watching Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton in the very beginning in 1984. It was the story about a cyborg being sent back to the past to save the family that helps fight machines that rise up in the future.

Terminator Genisys is designed to be the first part of a new trilogy. But all of this jumping back through time has changed things. This time around Sarah will have to fight against her son.

I'm sure theaters will be packed July 1st with fans that have been waiting six years for a new Terminator. What movies do you plan on seeing this summer?

Jurassic World
Terminator Genisys

Real Talk with Boris & Nicole

Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker have their very own daytime talk show this summer. The husband and wife team will be the hosts and executive producers of The Boris & Nicole Show on Fox. The hour long show will test in select markets such as Los Angeles and New York beginning July 6th. You can look forward to seeing lots of real talk and celebrity guests.

 

 

 

The couple met and fell in love starring opposite each other for five seasons on the hit Showtime series Soul Food. They recently celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary and have two adorable kids.

I hope the show is very successful and gets to air nationally soon. So if Boris & Nicole airs in your city make sure that you support them.

The Boris & Nicole Show

Soul Food

Red Carpet Fashion at The Billboard Music Awards

Last night the Billboard Music Awards aired live on ABC. The show was held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The annual event rewards chart topping artists based upon Nielsen data of sales, downloads, and airplay.

Here is my top picks on the red carpet before the show. Empire's Taraji P Henson was one of the presenters of the evening. She looked great in her Alexandre Vauthier black side cut-out dress.



 

Jenifer Lopez always looks fabulous on the red carpet. Once again she was stunning in her Charbel Zoe Couture gown with strategically placed motif to cover her lady parts.



Everyone was excited to see how well host Chrissy Teigen and Ludacris would do. She arrived on the red carpet looking fierce in her belted black, silver, and gold striped jumpsuit with her husband John Legend.

Actress Danica McKeller was a presenter. She looked very pretty in her one shoulder sequined gown with a high split up the front.

My mouth dropped when I saw violinist Lindsey Sterling in her black beaded cut-out gown. Yousef Aljasmi was the designer of this sexy number that made her best dressed in my book.

I hope you enjoyed the show.

Photos

Fashion at the Cannes Film Festival

Every year the Cannes International Film Festival is held in Cannes, France. It is an invitation only festival that previews new films from all around the world. Photographers line the red carpet to get the first looks of the celebrity guests during the week long events. Here are my picks for the best dressed so far.

Naomi Watts looked amazing at the opening ceremony. She wore a gray sequin and feather gown by designer Ellie Saab.



 

I loved the belt, feathers, and beads on Julianne Moore. Armani Prive was her designer for the opening ceremony.

Not everyone can pull off pink, but Miranda Kerr did. She looks pretty in the V neck Emanuel Ungaro dress on day two.

If I had on this sleek metallic piece, you wouldn't be able to tell me a thing! I'm sure that is how Eva Longoria felt in her George Shobeika dress.

Charlize Theron wore a drop dead gorgeous yellow body hugging gown by Dior on the second day of the festival.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Photos

My Interview With Diann Valentine for Sheen Magazine

I've been a huge fan of wedding, event, and interior designer Diann Valentine for many years. She was someone that I looked up to when I was in the wedding industry. I have had the opportunity to see her several times in person as a speaker and at her launch party for her I Do Over TV show.

 

Now that I am pursuing my writing career, I was delighted to interview her for the May/June Season of Love issue of Sheen Magazine. Diann spoke to me about how she started in the industry, who her favorite celebrities were to work with, what she is working on now, and much more. Make sure you pick up a copy of Sheen Magazine to see what she had to say.

Stay tuned for more updates on my writing.

Sheen cover

20 Years of Blues for an Alabama Sky



 

If you live in Atlanta, you only have a few days left to go see the play Blues for an Alabama Sky. Sunday May 10th is the last performance. I love playwright/author Pearl Cleage. So I couldn't miss seeing her production as it celebrates the twentieth anniversary since the premier at the Alliance Theatre in 1995.

 





The play takes place in 1930 during two very pivotal periods in U.S. history, the Harlem Renaissance and The Great Depression. Everyone is trying to pay their bills to survive yet they still have the need to live their dreams.

Actress Crystal Fox, best known for In the Heat of the Night and The Haves and the Have Nots, plays a blues singer called Angel. Her meal ticket has just married someone else leaving her jobless and homeless. Her friend Guy, played by Tyrone Mitchell Henderson, is always there to look out for her. Guy is a hilarious gay costume designer who dreams of working for Josephine Baker.

The cast also includes a naive twenty five year old virgin longing to open a controversial family planning clinic, a over-worked negro doctor, and a country boy from Alabama trying to understand Harlem living. All of the characters were diverse and important to the play. I also loved the design of the apartment building set.

Make sure that you also visit the Pearl Cleage A Time for Reflection exhibit on the balcony level of the theatre. It's a great chance to learn more about her life's work. The exhibit opens at 12:30 daily.
Visit the Alliance Theatre website for more information and tickets.

Enjoy!

Met Gala Through the Looking Glass

Last night was the annual Met Gala fundraiser for The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue in New York. This year's theme was China Through the Looking Glass. The new exhibit features fashion and art from China from the 1700's to the present. It will open to the general public this Thursday. The VIP guests of the gala got to have the first look of the exhibit.

Here are my picks for the best dressed of the event. George Clooney's better half, Amal, looked radiant in her red John Galliano tiered ruffled gown with a sequin bodice.

Empire star Taraji P Henson looked classy in her strapless Alexander Wang black and white beaded floral dress. The designer was also her escort for the evening.

Leave it to Sarah Jessica Parker to go all out with her Chinese inspired fire head piece designed by Philip Treacy. Her black one shoulder dress was designed by H&M.

I absolutely loved Jennifer Lopez's sheer gown by Versace. Did you notice the beaded fire breathing Chinese dragon that starts at the bodice, drapes down, and around the back of the dress?

But everybody knows that Rihanna has a way of grabbing all the attention when she shows up and shows out. Last night, she wore a bright yellow Guo Pei fur trimmed embroidered cape with a train long enough that she needed three people to assist her.

See who made my list of best dress at last year's gala here.

Taraji & Jennifer
Amal, Sarah & Rihanna