Onyx World Class Events

Marcus Johnson Nominated “Outstanding Jazz Album”, 41st NAACP Image Awards, Pre Image Award Party @ Platinum Live

Onyx — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:45:56 +0000

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 @ 8:00 pm
@ Platinum Live
11345 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA. 91604

$20 General Admission / $25 Includes Buffet @ 8 PM

Poetically Justified, the latest CD from Marcus Johnson, showcases several guest appearances from some of Johnson’s musician friends. R&B vocalist Miles Jaye lends his soulful voice to “Capice” and “Heaven”, and R&B siren Maysa (of Incognito fame) is featured on two tracks, one of which, “Master of My Heart” (in collaboration with writer-producer Robbie McDonald), is currently in heavy rotation on adult-contemporary radio station WHUR-FM in Washington, DC. Jazz heavy-hitter Najee adds his sultry sax sounds to the upbeat and rhythmic “I See You”.

These powerful tracks combined with Johnson’s masterful cover of Michael Jackson’s “This Place Hotel” (first single off CD) and his funky turn on the CD opener, “Chillaxin”, will no doubt wow Johnson’s loyal fans and earn Johnson yet another appearance on the Billboard charts. Poetically Justified is available at FYE, Borders, Barnes & Noble, Walmart and Best Buy.

Stevie Wonder Wins Prestigious French Award

Onyx — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:55:00 +0000

It’s taken nearly 30 years, but Stevie Wonder has finally received his medal for being named into France’s prestigious National Order of Arts and Letters.

The Motown great was in the French capital to perform and be honored at France’s biggest musical awards show Saturday.

Wonder said: “All this in one day, it’s almost too much for me. I’m breathless.”

Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand riffed off several of the pop star’s hits at a Paris ceremony.

“I just called to say ‘we love you’,” the minister said, referring to the French people.

One of Mitterrand’s predecessors in 1981 named Wonder as a “Commander” in the order, its highest rank. Officials said Saturday that scheduling conflicts had delayed Wonder’s formal decoration.

—

Associated Press

Beverly Hills Live: A Pisces Birthday Celebration @ Spazio’s Entertainment

Onyx — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:55:41 +0000

Spazio’s / 14755 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA, 91403

Saturday, February 20, 2010

8:00 pm – 2:00 am

Cover Charge: $20.00

Free w/invite or RSVP til 9:00 pm / $10 w/invite after 9:00 pm

Live Entertainment: 8:30 pm-10:00 pm

Dance Music: 10:00-2:00 pm w/ DJ Sidney Thompson

Gail Jhonson, Nominated As “Best Jazz Musician” By Black Music Association (BMA) Awards

Onyx — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:36:56 +0000

Gail Jhonson, has been nominated for “Best Jazz Musician at the 2009 BMA “SPOTLIGHT” AWARDS that will be held on Saturday March 27, 2010, Oasis Theater, 5100 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles.

Gail was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. By 14, she was playing gigs with various local R&B and Funk bands. Ever on her musical pursuit, she later enrolled into Berklee College of Music, and received a B.A in Composition.

In 1985, she landed an audition with Morris Day (and The Time), and eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream!. During the next several years, Gail’s efforts included performances with Jermaine Jackson, Howard Hewitt (Shalamar), Bobby Womack, Pink, Vanessa Williams, Bobby Lyle, featuring Mindi Abair, Paul Jackson jr, Vesta, Kevin Toney (The Blackbirds), Sheila E & Ronnie Laws; numerous videos & TV shows: MTV, BET, and Jay Leno.

By 2004, Keep The Music Playing, Gail’s highly acclaimed debut Contemporary Jazz CD, brought her into the international recording spotlight. Led by the hit singles Heaven and Just For Kicks, the CD received strong support from within the music industry. In 2005 Gail became the musical director for the nation’s much anticipated Summer Storm Tour, hosted by Grammy-award winner Norman Brown, which included special guests, Peabo Bryson, Everett Harp, and Brenda Russell.

In 2006 the Tour added special guests Patti Austin, Alex Bugon, and Paul Taylor & 2007 with Marion Meadows, Jeff Lorber, and Peabo Bryson. In later years Chante Moore, Alex Bugnon, Eric Darius & Paul Taylor.

2006 participation in The Long Beach Jazz Festival was a highlight. 2008 kicked off with The Smooth Music Cruise , a signing to NuGroove Records with the release of her CD “Pearls” and more exposure by performing her music in cities across the country with various smooth jazz artists.

Marcus Johnson -“Poetically Justified”

Onyx — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:36:14 +0000

Poetically Justified showcases several guest appearances from some of Johnson’s musician friends. R&B vocalist Miles Jaye lends his soulful voice to “Capice” and “Heaven”, and R&B siren Maysa (of Incognito fame) is featured on two tracks, one of which, “Master of My Heart” (in collaboration with writer-producer Robbie McDonald), is currently in heavy rotation on adult-contemporary radio station WHUR-FM in Washington, DC. Jazz heavy-hitter Najee adds his sultry sax sounds to the upbeat and rhythmic “I See You”.

Vanessa Williams – “The Real Thing”

Onyx — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:29:24 +0000

The Real Thing provides an exceptional contemporary jazz, latin and pop experience produced by Babyface, Rex Rideout, Keith Thomas and Rob Mathes

Vanessa Williams rose to the top of her musical career in 1988 with release of her first studio album titled The Right Stuff. Since then, Williams has sold millions of records worldwide and received numerous Grammy Award nominations in the process. Her hit single, “Colors of the Wind,” (from the Disney feature film Pocahontas), won an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award and Grammy Award for Best Song in a Motion Picture.

In addition to her recording, television, and film careers, the multi-talented artist garnered rave reviews for her roles on Broadway. Her performances in Kiss of The Spider Woman exceeded expectations and was critically acclaimed in the world press while her performance in “Into The Woods” received a Tony Award nomination, which is Broadway’s most prominent theatrical accolade.

Gail Jhonson – Pearls

Onyx — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:26:31 +0000

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Gail Denise Jhonson began piano lessons at the age of 10. Proving to be a gifted student, she advanced quickly, and by 14, was playing gigs with various local R&B and Funk bands. Ever on her musical pursuit, she enrolled into Berklee College of Music, and later received a B.A in Composition.

In 1985, she landed an audition with Morris Day (and The Time), and eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream!. During the next several years, Gail’s efforts included performances with Jermaine Jackson, Howard Hewitt (Shalamar), Bobby Womack, Pink,Vanessa Williams, Bobby Lyle/featuring Mindi Abair,

Paul Jackson jr, Vesta, Kevin Toney (The Blackbirds), Sheila E & Ronnie Laws; numerous videos & TV shows: MTV, BET, and Jay Leno.

By 2004, Keep The Music Playing, Gail’s highly acclaimed debut Contemporary Jazz CD, brought her into the international recording spotlight. Led by the hit singles Heaven and Just For Kicks, the CD received strong support from within the music industry. 2005 brought forth a great opportunity-The Capitol Jazz Challenge in D.C. Also, Gail became the musical director for the nation’s much anticipated Summer Storm Tour, hosted by Grammy-award winner Norman Brown, which included special guests, Peabo Bryson, Everett Harp, and Brenda Russell. 2006 brought special guests Patti Austin, Alex Bugon, and Paul Taylor & 2007 with Marion Meadows, Jeff Lorber, and Peabo Bryson.

2006 participation in The Long Beach Jazz Festival was a highlight. Local gigs in Los Angeles with her 5 piece band. Ended a 12 year teaching staff position at Musician’s Institute/Hollywood. Studio work included preparation for her anticipated CD and writing & producing for saxophonist(s) Justin Young and Jeanette Harris

2008 kicked off with The Smooth Music Cruise , a signing to NuGroove Records with the release of her CD “Pearls” and more exposure by performing her music in cities across the country with various smooth jazz artists; namely Jeanette Harris, Pamela Williams, Paul Taylor, Marion Meadows, Lin Rountree & Althea Rene. The Summer Storm 4 includes: Chante Moore, Alex Bugnon & Paul Taylor.This is what others are saying about Gail Jhonson:

Jhonson makes her keyboards glitter like a mosaic of pixilated notes and slides with the ease of melted caramel,,,”Jazz Review“These days-after many years as a sidewoman-Jhonson…is hanging on her reputation as a keyboard soloist, music director and vocalist for guitarist Norman Brown, and as an independent recording artist.”… Smooth Jazz News/Nov. 2007 feature by Preston Turregano

…”Jhonson is very personable and shared stories of her musical career as she played songs from her previous & current CD’s. Jhonson took control, but allowed the music to flow naturally.” ARIZONA INFORMANT

Jhonson makes her keyboards glitter like a mosaic of pixilated notes and slides with the ease of melted caramel,,,”Jazz Review“

These days-after many years as a sidewoman-Jhonson…is hanging on her reputation as a keyboard soloist, music director and vocalist for guitarist Norman Brown, and as an independent recording artist.”… Smooth Jazz News/Nov. 2007 feature by Preston Turregano

“One of the most inventive keyboard players I’ve heard.. Her music is fresh & exciting!”…..\Jeff Lorber

Writerr, producer and keyboard player Gail Jhonson is someone for whom the accolades of multi talented and multi faceted hardly seem adequate..” Smooth Jazz Vibes

“I have shared the stage with Gail many times, and have always found it to be musically inspiring. She has years of experience supporting countless artists-but it’s so good to hear her step up, front and center and embrace the spotlight as a solo artist. She does so with grace, elegance, musical integrity, and a whole lot of style!”…..Dave Koz

Mo’Nique Wins Oscar For Best Supporting Actress

Onyx — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:49:47 +0000

Mo’Nique won the best supporting actress Oscar on Sunday for her role as an abusive mother in “Precious,” claiming her first Academy Award.

The actress had been considered the favorite to win, having racked up a slew of critics’ choice, festival and guild awards for her role in the independent film.

Her chilling portrayal of Mary, a verbally, physically and sexually abusive mother to the title character, had an intensity unmatched by any of the other nominees, who were Penelope Cruz in “Nine,” Maggie Gyllenhaal in “Crazy Heart,” and Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick in “Up in the Air.”

Mo’Nique accepted her statuette to a standing ovation.

“I would like to thank the Academy for showing that it can be about the performance and not the politics,” she said with emotion. “To my amazing husband, Sidney — thank you for showing me that sometimes you have to forego doing what’s popular, in order to do what’s right.”

The newly crowned winner, whose real name is Monique Imes, was up until now largely known for her work as a comedian on the stand-up circuit as well as the UPN television series “The Parkers,” and films including “Phat Girlz” and “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins.” Last fall, she debuted her own late-night talk show on cable channel BET, “The Mo’Nique Show.”

“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” is the actress’ second pairing with filmmaker Lee Daniels, who first cast her in his directorial debut in 2005’s “Shadowboxer,” alongside fellow Oscar nominee, Helen Mirren.

Mo’Nique joins only a few black actresses to get an Oscar. Hattie McDaniel claimed best supporting actress in 1939’s “Gone with the Wind,” Whoopi Goldberg won best supporting actress for 1990’s “Ghost,” Halle Berry took best actress for 2001’s “Monster’s Ball” and Jennifer Hudson got best supporting actress for 2006’s “Dreamgirls.”

Mo’Nique said last year at the Sundance Film Festival that the sexual abuse her character displays in “Precious” is not completely foreign to her, as she described her own experience as the victim of childhood molestation.

She also said earlier this year at an awards show that a man walked up to her after seeing “Precious” and confessed to being an abuser, and she urged him to get help.

For her role in “Precious,” Mo’Nique has also won supporting actress trophies at the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. (Reporting by Zorianna Kit and Alex Dobuzinskis; Editing by Mary Milliken and Sandra Maler)

Onyx World Class Live Jazz: Onyx Jazz Pick of the Week.… Dwight Trible & John Beasley…

Onyx — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:33:51 +0000

Onyx is not hosting this event but this is a must see Jazz event in LA

Sunday, February 21, 2010
@ Hollywood Studio Bar & Grill
6212 Sunset Blvd /In Gower Gulch
Hollywood, CA. 90028

Appetizers/Cocktails: 7:00 pm

LIVE JAZZ/Dinner Show @ 8 PM

Delores Peterson Presents:

Vocalist Dwight Trible & Keyboardist John Beasley

Early Arrival Suggested / Free Parking /Limited Table Seating

Dwight Trible

Virtuosity with musicianship and improvisational skills to the delight of audiences and musicians alike. In addition to performing with his own group, The Dwight Trible Ensemble, Dwight is the Vocalist with Pharoah Sanders Quartet; he is also the vocal director for the Horace Tapscott Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra.

Not a newcomer to the music scene, Dwight has worked with such notables as Oscar Brown Jr., Bobby Hutcherson, Charles Lloyd, Billy Childs, Kenny Burrell, Kenny Garrett, Steve Turre, Harold Land, Harry Belafonte, Della Reese, Norman Conners, as well as contemporary soul artists like LA Reid and DJ Rogers. Dwight’s collaborations with Horace Tapscott, Billy Higgins, Kamau Daaood and others have produced some of the finest musical moments in Los Angeles in recent years – and his best is yet to come!

John Beasley

Louisiana native, John Beasley is a highly regarded composer who has recorded with some of the who’s who in music, including Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Chick Corea, Queen Latifah (MD), Christian McBride, Steely Dan (MD), James Brown, Carly Simon, Jon Hassel, Chaka Khan, Spice Girls, Jessica Simpson, Clint Black, to name a few. While touring with Miles Davis, Beasley was inspired to release his first of eight solo recordings, which was produced by Steely Dan’s Walter Becker.

Today, Beasley, continues to release new music, tour with his band, juggle studio work (commercials, TV and films), conduct workshops, produce other artists, perform and produce music award specials, work on music reality shows, and tour with Queen Latifah as her Musical Director.

His eighth album, Letter to Herbie, is a tribute to 2008 GRAMMY winner, Herbie Hancock, which features Christian McBride, Jeff “Tain” Watts and Roy Hargrove was released April 2008 and topped the JazzWeek Charts.

African American Scholar Athletes Receive Honors

Onyx — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:07:34 +0000

African American Scholar Athletes receive top Honors

On Saturday, February 20, 2010, at 6:00pm, at the Downtown Marriott Hotel. The National Alliance of African American Athletes (The Alliance) will recognize another stellar group of high school athletes from across the nation for the Franklin D. Watkins Memorial Award.

The award is presented each year to the nation’s top African American male high school scholar athlete.

The five finalists in alphabetical order are:

Devin Gardner, Detroit, MI; Eric Reid, Baton Rouge, LA, Evan Washington, Dallas, TX; Brandon Willis, Duncan, SC; David Yankey, Atlanta, GA.

Previous awardees include:

Rhodes Scholar, Myron Rolle,

Justin Blalock, Atlanta Falcons,

Ted Ginn Jr., Miami Dolphins,

Lorenzo Alexander, Washington Redskins,

Mohammed Massaquoi, Cleveland Browns,

Darnell Dinkins, New Orleans Saints,

LaVarr Arrington, New York Giants,

Deryck Toles, Indianapolis Colts,

Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars,

Ernie Sims, Detroit Lions,

Darius Walker, Houston Texans.

Grant Irons and Ronald Curry, formerly Oakland Raiders,

The National Alliance of African American Athletes was funded in 1989. The mission of The Alliance is to empower African American males through athletics, education and public programs. The Watkins Award is presented annually to African American scholar-athletes since 1992, the Watkins Award is named for Franklin D. Watkins, the coach of championship football and basketball teams in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

www.naaaa.com Contacts: Everette Pearsall 410-551-3462