Sunday, November 3, 2013

Toronto's Mover's & Shaker's Link Up This Liive Thursday For Industry Party! W/ Billboard King of R&B J.Holiday

Original Concepts + Media kings + Tux & Bringing the Voices Ent. Presents:
Upscale Sexy

J.Holiday

(Fresh on the Canadian Guilty Conscience Tour W/ Hot New Single "After We FU#K")

Dine, Drink, Dance....
R&b ∞ soul ∞ motown ∞ soulful house ∞ hip-hop ∞ reggae ∞ mashup

Guest Host & Performance By
J.Holiday

Also Performances By
Omar "OH!" Lunan & Special Guests

Live band: Otis Williams/jonathan Kerr (drums) • Jason Larmond (keys) • Juwayon Clarke (bass)

DJs: Spoonz & Romeo

No oversized or athletic apparel
No fitted hats

lounge opens @ 8pm (second floor)
$20 Advanced Tickets
$25 before 10pm With A Dinner Reservation

Table reservations highly recommend to ensure seating between 8pm-10pm | minimum $25 purchase per person (food or drink) to reserve table | we reserve the right to ask you to vacate your table by 11:30pm without the purchase of bottle service**

Dinner & drink specials | absolute vodka $100
For more information, table reservation, birthday celebrations & corporate functions: justboutit@gmail.com or info@originalconcepts.ca

Dinner VIP Booths Available:416-919-1084 or info@originalcncepts.ca

For Advanced Tickets -

416-838-5282 or 647-381-2692

J.Holiday

There are no mirrors or tricks here, no sleight of hand. When J. Holiday talks earnestly of “following my dreams” and “being in love with music,” it’s not a deliberately sympathetic portrayal by a partial writer. In fact, J.’s talent is matched -in rarity and intensity—only by his enthusiasm. His candor and vulnerability are refreshing, given the static, formulaic state of R&B. The question most are asking, though, is where did J. Holiday come from? The answer is short, but runs deep: D.C. And while D.C.’s trademark sounds breed musicianship- “so many talented cats playing go-go or in church”—the city remains untapped. But it’s home, and home, for J. Holiday, is where the art is. He was born into a musical family; mother Frances, one of 11 siblings, sang gospel with her 5 sisters, while his older sister supplied backing vocals for Crystal Waters. “Music was always around me and I just wanted to do it,” he recalls. But his first performances were as much coercion as inspiration: “When I was nine, ten years old, my older male cousins would always tell me to sing to girls passing by on the street. It was later that I realized they were exploiting me.” So by age ten, J. Holiday was finding his voice. Within a year, however, he was struggling to find his way. “My Pops died when I was eleven,” he states flatly. “He was sick and didn’t tell anybody. Not even my Mom. She never knew what was going on until he died.” “A lot of people think he’s still alive because of the way I talk about him,” Holiday segues. “A lot of the struggling that I’ve been through was because of that situation. Nobody was prepared for it. My mom, that’s my best friend. But looking back, everything happens for a reason. That’s what got me here.”

Picking up the pieces, the remaining family bounced around the D.C. area; J. attended three different high schools in four years. “On top of not having my father, it was harder for me because my mom was a preacher,” J. admits. “So I knew I couldn’t go to her about certain things. It was like trial and error; I had to learn a lot on my own, and that’s how I ended up messing with the streets. And the streets actually kept me from going down the wrong path. People always assume that the hood is going to steer you wrong. I always had people in the hood, to this day, who wanted to keep me out of trouble. They couldn’t be my dad, but they told me what it was: advising me to think, to be smart.”

J. identifies two catharses along his creative odyssey: a 9th grade talent show, wherein he flexed his wares, and his discovery of Marvin Gaye: “I was just listening to songs that I loved. Then I found out that all the songs were by the same guy. That was a main trigger for me, getting hip to Marvin. He led me to Donny Hathaway and Al Green.” Channeling these staples with newer ensembles -Jodeci, Boyz II Men, even OutKast— J. eventually formed a trio called 295, named for the famed thoroughfare between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

UpScale Sexy - Staring J.Holiday - "King West" Nov .7

Friday, September 13, 2013

Female Movie Director of Kingston Paradise @ Empire Tonight!!! Film Screens @6:30 Harbourfront Centre

Wells-Said: A Director’s Profile

by CaribbeanTales • Featured

By Diane De La Haye
In an industry dominated by men, I was thrilled and impressed to learn that Jamaican filmmaker Mary Wells had written, produced and directed her own movie, Kingston Paradise.
Curiosity piqued, I sought her out while she was in Toronto attending the CaribbeanTales Film Festival to learn more about her vision and process.

Who and/or what inspired you to pursue a career in film?
I was always aritstic, my mother is an artist and both parents were extremely supportive. I was destined. Plus, film is the most powerful medium ever and i saw it as a medium for change and it encompassed different areas I excelled in: Photography, Writing/Storytelling and Theatre. Three lethal areas that can transcend our worlds, that can uplift and inspire, that means so much to all of us. Human beings cannot survive without telling stories and all of our stories are visual, first. So here i am.
As a woman, did you overcome any bias/were you treated differently by the industry?
Yes, there are inequalities but this is changing now. There are alot of very powerful women in the indsutry especially in the Caribbean…. so it will all be balanced out. ‘Women run tings.’ Most of all, women have very distirnctive voices and bring great humanity to the medium. It is true that few people ‘rally around a creative woman’, over creative men, but we in the Caribbean have a great advantage. There are powerful women in both the Government and in the Corportate world, so basically, its not a big issue.
Compare your experience getting ahead in Jamaica versus finding success abroad.
I have had a lot of support and success in Jamaica as well as abroad in America. In the Caribbean its (maybe) more possible to start and get the ‘hands-on,’ but our region is small and we have to get mentors and not be afraid to get our hands wet and be vulnerable. I had the experience to work on quite a few movie shoots that were shot in Jamaica. Often Hollywood films using Jamaica as partly a back drop. So that, coupled with working with the a Government Production House to do educational films, gave me much great experience. If I had remained abroad, I would have done the same thing, but I guess, I would have been more job oriented and had to survive the 9-5 regime. While in Jamaica, I’ve mostly freelanced and comparing it, it’s much rougher, but there are minus and plus’ everywhere you go.

For “Kingston Paradise,” explain your decision to write about poverty and crime, rather than exploring other Jamaican subject matters

I am committed

to social justice and I think it is important to show the lives of real people in Jamaica, not in asensational way but in a nuanced and sensituve way. I feel that this is my positive contribution to the world and to understanding myself and country. Jamaica has that tradition from Perry Henzel to Bob Marley. There is that commitment to alleviating poverty and the voices of those who do not have a voice, because we have a vast sea of very poor, ordinary working people who have the most amazing stories to tell. Often these are the real and true stories of a people…the everyday, ordinary ones. You live in that type of society and the minute you open your house doors you’re confronted with poverty all the time. So as an artist, I think we must find ways to respond to it. A lot of the ‘bread & butter’ video production work that I’ve done in the past in Jamaica, has allowed me to work with many inner-city youth and discover the most amazing talent and stories.

Describe the process (ease/difficulty) of raising funds while still maintaining full creative control as writer, producer and director?

I really feel blessed by all the support, financial and in kind, that I have received from everyone. especially CPTC (a Government Production House, The Creative Production Training Centre Ltd). They gave ‘in-kind’ with their equipment and crew and we also got small funding from a Dutch entity called Caribbean Creativity and a local cultural fund in Jamaica called, the CHASE fund, Jamaica. (Culture Health Arts Sport & Education Fund). These people helped me to shoot the film. The post-production, I got the full support of CaribbeanTales. Frances-anne is both an Executive Producer and Producer of the film. With her advice, guidance and help, I was able to come this far with it. It has been quite a journey and an incredible experience. I’m still fundraising to be able to master the film in other formats and seeking funds for marketing etc… so, the journey continues and its truly exciting!

Kingston Paradise tells the frantic survival story of small time hustler Rocksy (a taxi driver/ part-time pimp), and his roomie, Rosie ( a prostitute). They dream of something different, another life with a future. On the peeling walls of their tenement, Rosie prominently places a painting she owns that gives them both hope and something tangible to cling to. It’s an exotic beach view of another more peaceful world, but they exist miles apart. So with his friend and cohort Malt, Rocksy eyes a fancy sports car nearby and together they devise a plot to steal it to sell for parts, figuring the money could change their lives immediately. Not only is their plot risky and not well developed, Rosie is dead set against it and wants out of this entangled life. Her departure leaves Rocksy more desperate and devastated and he does the unthinkable.
Bravo Mary. Best wishes and continued success as you puruse the dream.
You can support Jamaican cinema and women in film by attending the World Premiere of Kingston Paradise on Friday Sept 13 at the Harbourfront Centre. Check HERE for details and ticket information.

Friday, September 6, 2013

TIFF FILM "Empire of Dirt" V.I.P. Access Empire - YorkVille Next Friday @- Save ur Movie TIX

TONYA LEE WILLIAMS
in
"Empire Of Dirt"
2013 Toronto International Film Festival

Toronto, Ontario (August 15, 2013) --Tonya Lee Williams will appear as "Sandra" a Social Worker in the film "Empire Of Dirt", produced by Jennifer Podemski, written by Shannon Masters and directed by Peter Stebbings, screening at this years Toronto International FIm Festival on September 6. The two-time Emmy nominated actress is thrilled and honored to be a part of TIFF 2013.

Empire of Dirt, a story about three generations of Native Canadian women who find history repeating itself. At 15, Lena (Cara Gee) was pregnant and kicked to the curb by a mother (Podemski), only 14 years her senior. Since then, she’s been struggling to make ends meet in Toronto. But when her own 13-year-old daughter (Shay Eyre – daughter of Smoke Signals director Chris Eyre) overdoses, and when her social worker (Williams) gets involved, Lena decides to return home and face the past she’s tried to escape. Can family provide a second chance?

Williams ability to humanize her characters showing both their vulnerabilities as well as their strengths in honest portrayals has endeared her to dedicated fans world wide. The actress, best known for her role as Dr. Olivia Winters on The Young and The Restless has worked with actors such as Danny Glover in the feature film Poor Boy's Game, Tia and Tamara Mowry in the Lifetime film Double Wedding, Canadian actor James Robert McGowan in the CBC night-time hit drama The Border and with Rob Lowe in Prosecuting Casey Anthony. A tireless advocate for diverse Filmmakers, the two-time NAACP recipient puts her notoriety to good use. Williams revolutionized the Canadian entertainment industry by founding the ReelWorld Film Festival, based in Toronto Canada, now in its 13th year. ReelWorld's mandate, to create opportunities for racially diverse artists, both in front of and behind the camera. "I'm thrilled that Tonya accepted our offer to be in Empire of Dirt. She's a grounded and natural actor who's participation helped us achieve the strength and realism we were hoping for. I'm forever grateful!" Jennifer Podemski - producer

Friday September 6
Scotiabank 2
9:45 PM
Sunday September 8
Scotiabank 14
9:15 AM

Three generations of First Nations women struggle to deal with the demons of their past, in this powerful and affecting drama from actor-turned-director Peter Stebbings (Defendor).

Centring on three generations of Canadian Aboriginal women, Peter Stebbings' Empire of Dirt is a gripping story about confronting the past, set within a family burdened by cycles of addiction, poverty, and teenage pregnancy.
Lena Mahikan (Cara Gee, 2013 TIFF Rising Star), a former addict and model, is now a single mother struggling to make ends meet in Toronto. True to her last name — which means wolf in Cree — if Lena senses danger, her instinct is to run. So, when her troubled and headstrong thirteen-year-old daughter Peeka (Shay Eyre) overdoses, attracting the attention of child services, Lena packs them both up and flees to her hometown in rural Ontario. There, reunited with her estranged mother Minnie (Jennifer Podemski, who also coproduced the film), she is forced to face a past she has desperately tried to ignore.
Based on a superb script by Cree screenwriter Shannon Masters, Empire of Dirt brims with sharp, candid dialogue and memorable characters imbued with refreshingly human flaws and contradictions. (Though Lena can't get her own life together nor control her daughter, she counsels street kids on their life choices at a community centre.)
The film also marks a striking departure for talented actor-turned-director Stebbings, whose debut, the quirky superhero film Defendor, premiered at the Festival in 2009. Though it traverses an entirely new terrain, Stebbings' latest is a major progression; his taut direction captures the emotional tumult of his protagonists' lives with maturity and verve, eliciting remarkable performances from his cast, particularly newcomer Gee in a breakout role. Not just a contemporary portrait of an indigenous family, Empire of Dirt resonates as a film about a mother's struggle to make the right choices, and about making peace with the past.

AGATA SMOLUCH DEL SORBO

Director Biography

- Peter Stebbings
- Peter Stebbings was born in Vancouver and attended the Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York City. His feature acting roles include Pigeon (04), The Limb Salesman (04), and Citizen Duane (06), all of which screened at the Festival. He co-wrote and acted in Jack and Jill vs. The World (08). He has directed the features Defendor (09), which premiered at the Festival, and Empire of Dirt (13).

EMPIRE LOUNGE
50 CUMBERLAND ST.
YORKVILLE - TORONTO
https://www.facebook.com/events/323776014434847/

R&B. HIP HOP. REGGAE. OLD SCHOOL. HOUSE

CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAYS Dwight of Tux Ent. and ALL VIRGOS -

Hosted By

Andre Blenman -
Entertainment Business Manager & Flow 93.5 Live-to-Air Consultant with Over a Decade in The Entertainment Industry Founder of 2 of Toronto's Prime Event Series "Chemistry" & "Socialite" Andre Brings Good Structure & ethics to the Industry he is Completely Moved to be a Part of "Movers & Shakers TIFF Soiree" Andre say's "Supporting Our Film Makers is Something My Whole Team is Proud of and let's be Honest there is nothing that brings the industry together like film, On September 13th let's Network & Have Some Fun"

LavaKid -
Independent Film Maker & Rap Legend previously known in the UnderGround Rap World as Godzillha Selling & Breaking Records as far east as Japan,LavaKid got his big Break in TV Production after being sought out by MTV Producer in N.Y.C. after creating a Buzz for his HEAT DVD, LavaKid Since Moving Forward to Toronto Has been Mentoring Fresh Talent in the Industry & is on the verge of Launching his Game Changer Project.

Leroy King -

Co - Founder of Freedom Time Magazine, T.V. Personality & Executive Producer - Featured on CBC, Discovery Channel, City TV, MTV & Breakfast Television.

Chilling in the Cut !

Dewitt Lee -

Content provider for the small screen's of ipads, iphones and computer. For over a decade he has produced 100's of videos covered the movers and shakers of over 30 different industries. His team made history by merging the world's of commercialism and art - in Toronto's 1st mini movie series called Love's Bugg which has given local artists both in film, music and fashion a platform to perform and showcase their talents. Running for mayor of Toronto on a platform that would bring more film production to Toronto has earned him the name Mayor of Hollywood North, Using film to combat youth unemployment, Dewitt believes that the film industry that targets Toronto as a backdrop to their films should expose our youth to film and create temp jobs on and off camera.

Lyric DVD Magazine is an innovative media format catering to the Reggae and Dancehall industry, running from downtown Toronto, Canada and Kingston, Jamaica. It has become the most highly anticipated global urban source for Reggae and Dancehall music, lifestyle and news. Lyric offers a comprehensive compilation of artist interviews, including ‘one-on-ones’ with many of the popular DJs, sound systems, and also provides footage from reggae concerts worldwide. You will also get information regarding news, fashion trends, new dance styles and the lifestyles and musical backgrounds of various artists. At Lyric, we have built a strong rapport within the Reggae and Dancehall community which has enabled us to obtain in-depth interview segments and video footage. Lyric Magazine will also function as a platform for local and international up and coming artists, and in doing so, Lyric will fuel the growth, exposure and development of the Reggae artist

Lyric DVD Magazine is an innovative media format catering to the Reggae and Dancehall industry, running from downtown Toronto, Canada and Kingston, Jamaica.

2 FLOORS + PATIO

FLOOR 1 –
She's an Actress
FILM MAKERS LOUNGE
Networking. Red Carpet. Industry

Music By:

TOP NOTCH

NEXXUS

V PRINCE

Cream Team

The Cream Team is one of the hottest DJ crews on the scene right now. The Cream Team is professional, experienced, and versatile. The Cream Team plays a variety of music, plays in most major venues.

FLOOR 2 –
She Loves Reggae
REGGAE FOUNDATION 5.5
Bigger. Louder. More Vibes
Music By:

FIRE KID STEENIE

AFRICAN STAR

SUPPA NATTY

FYAH ROOTZ

LINDO P

Toronto boasts some outstanding multi-hyphenates. Lindo P is rated among the best. • Reggae DJ/Selector (rips it both behind and in front of the booth) Recording Artist (uses his voice to make di gyal dem bruck out) Songwriter (master of lyrics, even the notepad bows in his presence) Dancehall/Foundation Ambassador (helps di youth dem nah forget about their roots).

RSVP FOR GUESTLIST | TICKETS | BOTTLE SERVICE | VIP PACKAGES:
ANDRE 647.222.7178 LEROY 647.769.9433 - LAVAKID 416.838.5282 -

POWERED BY:
FREEDOM TIME MEDIA
CLUBSANDCONCERTS.COM
ANDRE BLENMAN
LEAP BRANDING

FILM MAKERS
FEATURED IN
TIFF
REEL WORLD
CARIBBEAN TALES

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Movers N Shakers TIFF Soiree / She's an Actress Film Makers Party! September 13th 10pm - Yorkville