@Garyowencomedy Back at #ClevelandImprov Starting Tonight...

We hope you're ready to get you laugh on Cleveland! It all starts tonight, with the return of comedian Gary Owen. 

It's sure to be a weekend of gut-wrenching laughs, as Owen is back here in the city to perform a lineup of 7 shows between tonight and Sunday! Thinking of each and everyone of his past shows, this is definitely an occasion you do not want to miss out on. It's not too late to get your tickets either. Simply log on to www.clevelandimprov.com and order your regular or GOLD seating packages. Typically, Gary's shows are a sold-out affair, so you surely want to act fast!

In other Gary Owen news, he's also gearing up for the release of the new film Get Hard, in which he is featured alongside fellow comedians and actors Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell. 

For more information and continuous updates on Gary Owen, visit his official website at www.garyowen.com

ALBUM REVIEW: @Ludacris: LUDAVERSAL....

Ludacris jumps back in the fire with his new album, Ludaversal, and fire is what he brings. Hip-hop has been missing that heat for quite some time. Ludacris teased fans with "Burning Bridges" some weeks ago, and now Ludaversal provides us with the full arsenal. 

He goes hard right out the gate with the David Banner-produced "Ludaversal Intro", spitting:

... "ain't nobody f**kin with me when it come to gettin' lyrical, murderin' a rapper and killin' beats n***a, I'm cinematic makin' everybody panic, I be bustin' like a semi-automatic, feel the heat n***a, we can battle in the Phantom in Atlanta, the Rover in Minnesota, or the Arizona streets n***a, they sayin' all these offensive lines, I snap back, this the quarterback sneak n***a..."

He shows right away that not only is he still a master at his craft, but he's stepped his game up in terms of wordplay and how he maneuvers over the beat. Ludacris has always been a master at his delivery and the way he bounces over the beat. As an intro, it should be a glimpse into what can be expected throughout the entire album, so to speak. While that isn't the case for many, ok - most albums, it actually rings true here. It's truly an uphill climb as the album progresses, from "Grass is Always Greener" and the #SykSense-produced "Call Ya Bluff", to the Big K.R.I.T. assisted "Come and See Me", and "Get Lit", which was produced by Da Internz. Monica appears on "Ocean Skies", on which Luda pays tribute to his father. That track is produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. I highlight the producers because Ludacris enlists some of hip-hop's best storytellers in terms of production. Others providing that backdrop include DJ Toomp, Mike Will Made It, Just Blaze, and Illmind. Other artists appearing throughout the album include Usher ("Not Long"), and Miguel ("Good Lovin'"). The albums deluxe edition includes "Money", "Problems", "In My Life", and "Burning Bridges" which respectively feature Rick Ross, Ceelo Green, John Legend, and Jason Aldean. "Money" and "Problems" are probably two of the most introspective tracks offered on Ludaversal, with lyrics on "Money" like:

"Mo money mo problems, tell me what's worse, gettin' audited by the government, givin' up millions to the IRS or havin' to take a paternity test from a b***h I never met .... I'm gettin' sued by my own family member, all 'cause my dog but her, and she was the one who walked up and put her hand out, and now she got her hand out, it's driving me crazy, almost as if the s**t was planned out..."

On "Problems", which features Ceelo Green, Luda raps:

"...and people know me on a first name basis, but all they ever really want it my cash, let me borrow just a couple hundred dollars and you know that I'm a pay you back my a**..."

Overall, Ludaversal is a win for Ludacris. Ludacris stands as his 9th album (if you include his independent released Incognegro). Reality is, rappers, and artists in general, have an expiration date, and that usually arrives fairly quickly. Ludacris has stood the test of the industry's ups and downs, remaining relevant along the way. He's been with Def Jam the entire distance, which in reality is against the norm. Most artist change labels, at least once throughout their career for whatever the reason may be. Ludacris has defied the odds in so many ways. 

Ludaversal is definitely an album you'll want to have in your collection. Look for the album in stores, and with online retailers Tuesday, March 31!

 

New Release Tuesday: Big Pooh: Words Paint Pictures...

Rapper Big Pooh has released the much-awaited Words Paint Pictures to the masses. In stores today, the album stands as Big Pooh's debut release for #MelloMusicGroup, and features notable guest appearances from #SteveRox, #RasKass, and #EricKeith! 

Most will remember Pooh from his contributions to #LittleBrother, but #WordsPaintPictures is geared to take him to the next level of hip-hop. 

Check out his video below for #Augmentation! Look for #WordsPaintPictures in stores and on online retailers and distributors now!

Urban Grandstand Digital Offering LIVE Stream of 2015 #StellarAwards ( @thestellars ) 30th Anniversary Festivities...

We're proud to announce that we will be offering a LIVE stream of 30th Anniversary activities for this year's Stellar Gospel Music Awards! This includes The Stellar Awards Pre-Show, Stellar Awards Radio and Gospel Announcer Awards, Stellar Awards Red Carpet, and special behind-the-scenes footage of The Stellar Awards!

Be sure to stay will #UrbanGrandstandDigital for continued updates, and stay tuned into www.ugdigital.com all weekend long to see everything leading up to the big extravaganza, set to tape March 28, 2015 in Las Vegas, NV!!

Join #GCUFF for Screening of "Sixteen" at the Cleveland International Film Festival...

 Join GCUFF for three screenings of the new film "Sixteen" as part of the Cleveland International Film Festival. Screenings will take place over a 3-day time frame, and will be at Tower City Cinemas at 230 W. Huron Road

"Sixteen" is an urban thriller about an African former child soldier now living in London is forced to confront his violent past when he witnesses a stabbing. See full synopsis below:

To rescue him from the horror of being a child soldier in the Congo, Jumah's mother gave him up for adoption. Now, on the brink of his 16th birthday, Jumah lives in London with his adoptive mother. But the dreams of his former life haunt him, and he is easily provoked to bursts of violence. One night Jumah witnesses a classmate commit a murder in an underpass. The classmate fears discovery and now Jumah is being threatened into silence, drawn dangerously close to a different type of war taking place in his school. The child soldier, who witnessed atrocities his fellow students can't imagine, is getting harder to control. Jumah only wants to be a barber, to live a normal life. But as the cycle of violence escalates around him, the point of supreme crisis is approaching. Riveting and intense, SIXTEEN bares his inner war to the viewer. Jumah has been pushed to the moment that will decide not only what type of man he will become, but whether or not he survives to become one. - C.R.

SCREENING DATES AND TIMES

Thursday, March 26 @ 7:30pm Code: SIXT26

Friday, March 27 @ 2:05pm Code: SIXT27

Saturday, March 28 @ 4:40pm Code: SIXT28

For tickets, visit https://sites.google.com/site/gcuffmedia/

ABOUT THE GREATER CLEVELAND URBAN FILM FESTIVAL

The Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival was established with the artistic vision to provide a platform for talented independent filmmakers, screenwriters, and actors from the African Diaspora to present and expose their work to the diverse audience in Greater Cleveland. As a film festival, the GCUFF identifies emerging talents and established artists who are contributing to the cinematic legacy of African Americans.

New Release Tuesday: Action Bronson

Get ready for the the latest release from rapper Action Bronson! Mr Wonderful hits stores today!

Bronson originally signed to Warner Bros in 2012, but was ultimately transitioned to Vice Records, where he's released several Mixtapes. Bronson has built a rather strong fan base through the release of Rare Chandeliers, Saaab Stories, and Blue Chips 2! Saaab Stories, which stood as Bronson's major label debut, featured appearances from Wiz Khalifa, Prodigy. Mr Wonderful features appearances from Chauncy Sherod, Big Body Bes, Mayhem Lauren, and  Chance the Rapper. The album also boasts production from Mark Ronson, The Alchemist, and Party Supplies, among others. 

Look for Bronson's Mr Wonderful in stores and on online digital distributors now! For more info on Action Bronson, visit www.actionbronson.com

The Week in Review....

Greetings fellow readers!

It’s been quite a productive week in urban entertainment!

This past week saw the release of several new albums and one hell of a soundtrack, if we do say so ourselves! The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to the highly successful franchise The Fast & The Furious hit stores and digital download formats on March 17! The soundtrack features a variety of artists who are all popular in hip-hop & R&B, including T.I., Iggy Azalea, Walé, Rich Homie Quan, Flo Rida, Wiz Khalifa, and so many others. 

Also releasing this past week on March 16 was Kendrick Lamar! Lamar has made a hugely successful name for himself in hip-hop, and fans have been anticipating this release for some time now.

The album, To Pimp a Butterfly, has already broken record on Spotify with 9.6 million streams happening on the day of release. This is monumental, not only for someone in hip-hop, but urban music in general. It does, however, show that music is still very much alive! The album features guest appearances from Bilal, Anna Wise, Snoop Dogg, George Clinton, James Fauntleroy, & Thundercat. 

Other artists having released albums this week include Webbie and Da Mafia Six! 

A number of celebrities were celebrating birthdays this past week. Those celebrating this week included #NaimLynn, #JabariParker, #HowardScott, #Rockwell, #SlyStone, #TerenceTrentDArby, #WillIAm, #YoungBuck, #DannyBrown, #FlavaFlav, #JheneAiko, #JonicaBooth, #Murs, #OzzieNewsome, #RodneyPeete, #SierraMcClain, #TimHardaway, #TyrelWilliams, #CynthiaMcKinney, #MyrlieEversWilliams, #NatKingCole, #RobKardashian, #SeanPrice, #TamarBraxton, #AdamLevine, #GeoffreyOwens, #IreneCara, #QueenLatifah, #VanessaWilliams, #AhmadBradshaw, #BarryCofield, #BunB, #DeaundreBonds, #EJManuel, #PhillipBolden, #RuthPointer, #ShawnBunch, #ThomasDecoud, #BiancaLawson, #CedricYarbrough, #JamalCrawford, #SpikeLee, #Touré, #ZonniquePullins, #VanessaBellCalloway, #MannieFresh, #DiggySimmons, DJPremier, #MsMelodie-RIP, #YandySmith, #YoungNoble, #MomsMabley-RIP, & #SabrinaLaBeauf! 

Top Stories of the week included:

• A Night at the Improv with Jay Phillips
• Comedian Gary Owen to Return to Cleveland to Headline Cleveland Improv
• Come Along As We Catch Up with Local Comic Book Artist Damion Kendrick
• R&B Artist Ameriie Back With New Single, Out Loud
• New Video: Snoop Dogg: Peaches N Cream
• Jill Scott Returns with New Single & Video, You Don’t Know
• Steve Harvey to Speak at 20th Annual Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit
• Russell Simmons Presents The Scenario…A New Musical

Stay tuned for much more to come next week!

Come Along As We Catch Up with Local Comic Book Artist Damion Kendrick ( @damagearts , @damagearts77 )

Vernon Shelton, one of our devoted writers, recently caught up with local comic book artist Damion Kendrick. He's got a lot going on, including an appearance at the Chicago Comic Con International! He's definitely doing huge things right now. Check that out below!

R&B Artist @itsameriie Back With New Single, Out Loud....

Following a lengthy hiatus, R&B singer Amerce is making a return to music, and has released her new single Out Loud! Her last release was 2009's Love & War. 

Ameriie, whose real name is Amerie Rogers, debuted in 2002 with her album, All I Have, which spawned the moderately successful Why Don't We Fall in Love. She became more of a household name when she contributed the lead track, "1 Thing", to the soundtrack for the Will Smith flock Hitch. 

Out Loud re-pairs Ameriie with Producer Rich Harrison, with whom she had not worked since her 2005 release. Take a listen to Out Loud below!

New VIDEO: Snoop Dogg: Peaches N Cream f/Charlie Wilson

Snoop Dogg recently released his new single, Peaches N Cream, and now he's doubled back with the official visual, featuring none other that Uncle Charlie himself, Charlie Wilson!,, as well as Pharell! Peaches N Cream stands as the lead single to Snoop Dogg's upcoming album, "Bush".  Check that out below!

A Night at the Improv with Jay Phillips...

Tonight's show at the Cleveland Improv was definitely one to remember.  The show featured comedians Rob Ward, Patrick Melton, and headliner Jay Phillips. Phillips is no newcomer to comedy, having been all over HBO comedy specials and Def Comedy Jam. He also carried a leading role in the 2008 film Semi Pro alongside Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, and Outkast's Andre Benjamin. He's now a part of the new BET sketch series The Xperiment! 

Rob Ward emcee'd the show, offering his own unique brand of comedy that had the audience at ease. Ward often emcees a number of shows here at the Improv, and continues to build his following with each show. He always does a fantastic job with warming the crowd up. 

Patrick Melton followed Ward with a hilarious set that had the audience laughing energetically from the start. There wasn't necessarily one thing that Melton focus on. He talked about a variety of topics, but it was more conversational. That's what made him easily relate with the crowd, ultimately wining them over, Both Ward and Melton were the added bonus of the night, as with the Improv, only the headliner is advertised. You don't necessarily know who you're getting with the openers, so being completely honest, the show could go one of two ways. Tonight was definitely one of those nights where each comedian rocked hard.

Following the trend of the night, Jay Phillips commandeered the crowd with no trouble whatsoever. His often animated delivery made for a fun time, and his style, also conversational, definitely won the audience immediately. It was basically like he was spending the night talking with friends, and nothing was off limits. One of the things that stood out for me was his impression of President Barack Obama. Anyone in the audience would say he was "spot on" with the President's dialect. We definitely can't give too much away in reference to what he joked about, but we emphatically say that Phillips is absolutely hilarious, and you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not going out to see him, wherever the is.

Phillips will be here in Cleveland throughout the remainder of the weekend performing with both Patrick Melton and Rob Ward at the Cleveland Improv. For more info or to purchase tickets, contact 216-696-4977, or visit www.clevelandimprov.com

Jay Phillips can be found on both Twitter and Instagram with the handle: @jayphillipslive

Patrick Melton can be found on both Twitter and Instagram with the handle: @pmelt

Rob Ward can be found on Instagram with the handle: @robwardcomedy

Jill Scott Returns with New Single & Video, You Don't Know...

Jill Scott has returned, and she's bringing you the blues (in a good way, of course) with her new single, You Don't Know! Scott sings of the struggle and pain of love! The heartache and sacrifice, both of which she knows all too well. With the release of the single, Scott also released a video to accompany, which we've linked below! Check that out, and comment back with your thoughts. 

Steve Harvey to Speak at the 20th Annual Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit...

NEW YORK, March 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Where Innovation and Capital Meet. Join BLACKENTERPRISE at the 2015 Entrepreneurs Summit hosted by Nationwide on Wednesday, May 13 through Saturday, May 16, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, with a powerhouse lineup of some of the nation's most accomplished and celebrated entrepreneurs and motivational speakers. Steve Harvey, No. 1 New York Times best-selling author, Emmy Award-winning television host, and renowned radio personality, is confirmed as one of the Summit's keynote speakers at the 2015 Entrepreneurs Summit.

An annual highlight of the Summit is the presentation of the nation's top awards for African American business achievement and community involvement. The Black Enterprise Trailblazer Award will be presented to legendary record producer, musician, and humanitarian, Quincy Jones; and music executive and entrepreneur Clarence Avant, at the BE 100s Gala on Friday, May 15. This award recognizes the outstanding achievement of an individual who has had broad and positive impact on his or her industry as well as the community at large, while serving as a champion of entrepreneurship and business growth, employment opportunities, and wealth creation for African Americans. 

Celebrating more than 60 years of performing and music industry involvement, Jones's creative magic has spanned more than six decades, beginning with the music of the post-swing era and continuing through today's high-technology age. An impresario in the broadest and most creative sense of the word, Jones's career encompasses the roles of composer, record producer, artist, film producer, arranger, conductor, instrumentalist, TV producer, record company executive, magazine founder, multimedia entrepreneur and humanitarian. As a master inventor of musical hybrids, he has shuffled pop, soul, hip-hop, jazz, classical, African and Brazilian music into many dazzling fusions, traversing virtually every medium, including records, live performance, movies, and television. As producer and conductor of the historic "We Are The World" recording (one of the best-selling singles of all time) and Michael Jackson's multiplatinum solo albums, Off The Wall, Bad, and Thriller (the best-selling album of all time, with more than 50 million copies sold), Jones stands as one of the most successful and admired creative artist/executives in the entertainment world.

Avant was the chairman of Motown Records and board member of PolyGram. A renowned entertainment industry executive known for his keen business sense and unique deal-making skills, Avant is regarded in the highest esteem and is arguably one of the most influential African Americans in entertainment business history. He has worked with industry greats, such as Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Antonio "L.A." Reid, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, and veteran music executive Doug Morris, but his scope extends beyond the music industry to people such as Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, BLACK ENTERPRISE Publisher Earl Graves, Oprah Winfrey, and BET Founder Robert Johnson. He serves as a member of the Advisory Board of Network Foundation Technologies L.L.C. Among the many honors he has received are the Heroes Award from the Los Angeles chapter of the Recording Academy, an honorary doctorate from Morehouse College, and the Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 2015 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit boasts high-powered sessions on critical business topics such as Attracting Angel Investors, Accelerating Your Tech Startup, The Art of Raising Money, It's Called Show BUSINESS, and Selling Your Ideas and Building Consumer Brands.

Confirmed speakers include: 

• Steve Harvey, Author, Radio Personality and Television Show Host 
• Lisa Nichols, CEO, Motivating the Masses 
• Michael Eric Dyson, Author, Professor and Radio Host 
• Roland Martin, Journalist, Commentator, Host, News One Now 
• Paul Judge, Managing Partner, Judge Ventures, Advisor Opportunity Ventures 
• Jermaine Dupri, Record Producer, Songwriter and entrepreneur 
• Randal Pinkett, Co-Founder & CEO of BCT Partners, Speaker and Author 
• Ken Coleman, Chairman, Saama Technologies 
• Don Peebles, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Peebles Corp. 
• Reginald Hudlin, American Writer, Film Director, and Producer 
• Necole Parker, Founder and CEO, ELOCEN Group 
• Samuel Gilmore, Founder and President, Overnight Success Inc. 
• Tom Chikoore, Founder, Techstars Risingstars Program 
• Kim Kimble, Celebrity Hairstylist, Owner of Kim Kimble Salons and Kimble Haircare System 
• Chris Bennett, Co-Founder and CEO, Soldsie; Founder, Black Founders (NewME) 
• Sherrod Shackelford & LaVon Lewis, CEOs & Co-Founders, PDG Branding & Marketing 
• David Grain, Founder & Managing Partner, Grain Management L.L.C. 
• Stacey Key, President & CEO, Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council 
• Robert Santiago, Owner of Empire FX 
• Kim Wales, Founder & CEO, Wales Capital

For the aspiring entrepreneur, The Small Business Success™ Boot Camp offers practical advice on how to take your business to the next level. Plus, the Black Enterprise Elevator Pitch Competition will award $10,000 for the best new business idea. 

Attendees of the 2015 Entrepreneurs Summit will also have for the first time the opportunity to tap into all the latest BLACK ENTERPRISE developments taking place in and around the Summit courtesy of the new dedicated BE Events app. Available for free on Android, iOS and other smartphones (attendees with Windows and BlackBerry devices can go here), the app allows visitors to access the full event schedule, browse the event social media updates, receive information on all the speakers taking part in the Summit, as well as develop a personal event planner to remind them of their must-attend sessions. It also features a detailed interactive floor plan to help attendees navigate the session rooms as well as keep attendees fully up-to-date with the latest developments through a link to the #BESummit social media tag. Attendees will also receive push notifications in the event of room changes and black enterprise giveaways. 

To download the app for free, visit the iTunes App Storeand Google Play Store.

The host sponsor of the 2015 Entrepreneurs Summit is Nationwide; presenting sponsor is Walmart and platinum sponsor FedEx.

For updates, follow Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit page on Facebook and search the #BESummit hashtag on Twitter.  

BlackEnterprise.com is the leading website for Money, Small Business and Career development. Providing executive and entrepreneurial resources, information, and profiles on the topics of money management, employment, career and startup development, BlackEnterprise.com features expert resource articles, original video packages, and blogs, customized to empower its niche audience while consistently providing universal resource-value.

BLACK ENTERPRISE, your ultimate source to build Wealth for Life, is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Since 1970, BE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Every month, BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine provides 6 million readers with information on entrepreneurship, careers, and financial management. A multimedia company, BE also produces television programming, business and lifestyle events, Web content, and digital media. Visit www.blackenterprise.com for more information.

Russell Simmons Presents The Scenario...A New Musical...

NEW YORK, March 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Hip-hop pioneer, Tony Award-winning producer and multi-hyphenate entrepreneur Russell Simmons has announced the development of The Scenario, a new stage musical that will be driven by the music that defined a generation: the greatest hits from a two-decade span of hip-hop – from the "golden age" of the mid-80s to mid-90s "when it seemed that every new single reinvented the genre" (Rolling Stone), to the chart-topping artists at the turn of the millennium.  Simmons, who is widely credited with ushering in a hip-hop cultural revolution with the launch of Def Jam Recordings in 1984, and creating the trailblazing Def Comedy franchise in 1989, will produce through his Los Angeles-based production company Def Pictures, alongside Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Big Block/Scott Prisand (Rock of Ages, Heathers, Gentleman's Guide To Love And Murder). The Scenariowill feature an original story written by acclaimed author and hip-hop historian Dan Charnas (The Big Payback), and aims to premiere in New York City in late 2016. 

"Hip hop's explosion was fueled by a generation with an incredible hunger to discover new ways of expression," said Simmons. "These artists were always breaking the mold with new rhythms and new ideas, while at the same time telling so many important and timeless stories that over the decades have continued to remain just as relevant.  This is why the music continues to strike a chord with fans worldwide.  It felt like such a natural fit to weave the best of these sounds and stories into an energetic and thrilling musical that would transport audiences through one of the most innovative artistic movements of our time."

"Part of what made the Rock of Ages experience so incredible for theatregoers was the joy of hearing the most beloved songs of an era serve as the storyteller," said Scott Prisand. "Russell is the catalyst of all this extraordinary music that has already touched generations to the core around the world; we're taking those beats everyone knows and loves, and setting them into a fun original story."  

Added Jake Stein, who is shepherding the project on behalf of Def Pictures and will also produce with Simmons, "These classic songs, stories and rhythms will find a new audience on the theater stage.  We believe this show will be an entirely new entry point for appreciating hip hop as a transformative art that has shaped culture, fashion, music and entertainment of all forms, and we hope it will help open the door for other live theatrical experiences."

Entrepreneur, author, activist and philanthropist Russell Simmons has launched scores of groundbreaking careers and innovative enterprises in arenas as varied as music, film, television, fashion, comedy, poetry, digital platforms, theater and finance.  His lifelong mission has been giving a voice to extraordinary talent and empowering underserved communities as they in turn shape the mainstream of culture. 

After having produced or managed artists such as Kurtis Blow, Run DMC, Houdini and Jimmy Spicer, Simmons joined forces with producer Rick Rubin to found Def Jam Recordings. Under Simmons' leadership as Chairman, Def Jam signed acts including the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Jay Z and Kanye West.  Simmons' long-running HBO series "Def Comedy Jam" helped make household names of comics including Jamie Foxx, Chris Tucker, Martin Lawrence, Bernie Mac, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart and JB Smoove. "Def Poetry Jam," also on HBO, won a Peabody Award and a Broadway version netted Simmons a Tony® Award. Simmons' numerous big-screen hits include The Nutty Professor, which grossed more than $273 million.

Simmons has written three New York Times best-selling books, including Success Through Stillness: Meditation Made Simple, which was published by Morrow in 2014. He has also launched a multitude of diverse business ventures including pop-culture website Global Grind, UniRush Financial Services, Simmons Jewelry, shoemaker Run Athletics and clothing subsidiaries Phat Farm, Argyleculture and American Classics. Most recently, he unveiled All Def Digital, a premium, multi-platform digital media company and entertainment hub, curating, developing and connecting a new generation of content creators to global fans.  He also co-founded the digital marketing firm Narrative. 

Dan Charnas is an acclaimed author, journalist, professor, producer and former record company executive, and is considered to be one of hip-hop's foremost historians. As part of a generation of young writers who created hip-hop journalism, Dan penned some of the first cover stories for The Source magazine, and is author of The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop (New American Library/Penguin) and the co-author of Def Jam: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Record Label (Rizzoli). Deemed "Pulitzer-worthy" by Spin and "Epic" by The Village Voice, The Big Payback received four stars from Rolling Stone, and accolades from publications including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Entertainment Weekly and The Atlantic.  Dan began his music business career in the mailroom of the seminal rap label Profile Records, eventually becoming Rap A&R and Promotion Manager — working with such artists as Run-DMC, Dana Dane, Special Ed, Rob Base, Special Ed and DJ Quik. As VP of A&R and Marketing for the Rick Rubin/Warner Bros joint venture American Recordings, Dan oversaw projects including Sir Mix-A-Lot's double-platinum single "Baby Got Back" (the #2 Billboard Pop Single of 1992), DJ Kool's gold anthem "Let Me Clear My Throat," and Chino XL's acclaimed "Here To Save You All," which influenced emcees from Eminem to 50 Cent. He is currently Associate Arts Professor at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, Tisch School of the Arts at New York University; and an executive producer of the upcoming VH1 movie, "The Breaks".

THE SCENARIO is produced by Russell Simmons; Def Pictures/Jake Stein; Big Block/Scott Prisand, Scott Benson, Tom Pellegrini and Jamie Bendell; Brian Sherand Stella Bulichnikov.

Comedian Gary Owen to Return to Cleveland to Headline Cleveland Improv...

Comedian Gary Owen is headed back to the city of Cleveland, and as always, it's set to be a fun-filled time. Owen will be taking center-stage at the Cleveland Improv as the comedy club's headlining act. He's set to begin Thursday, March 26, and extend through Sunday, March 29, 2015. 

Gary last hit us with his brand of Comedy in June 2014, just as he had a number of other things booming. Of course, he was enjoying the success of last year's second installment of Think Like a Man, but he was also gearing up for a surprise offer to present at the 2014 BET Experience! We had an opportunity to actually talk with Gary there at the Improv! That video can be accessed on our YouTube account by clicking the link below!

https://m.youtube.com/results?q=urban%20grandstand%20digital&sm=3

Currently, Owen is gearing up for the release of the new film Get Hard, which stars Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell! The movie actually hits theaters March 27, the same weekend he's here in the city!

Cleveland fans are excited as ever that he'll be returning to unleash an updated routine. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.clevelandimprov.com

 

Comedian Jay Phillips ( @jayphillipslive ) Set to Headline the Cleveland Improv...

Cleveland! Are you ready to laugh? Comedian Jay Phillips Is all set to bring the laughs this weekend, as he'll be headlining at the Cleveland Improv, beginning tomorrow March 20 and extending through Sunday March 22. 

Phillips has been seen in a number of films and television shows, and regular performs stand-up comedy across the country. As a result of numerous appearances in BET's Comicview and HBO Def Comedy Jam, as well as several other comedy specials, Jay has become very well respected with his line of comedy. 

For more information or to purchases tickets to his shows this weekend, visit www.clevelandimprov.com

New VIDEO: @JOYVILLA VAGABONDS.....

View fullsize

We're excited to run the new video for Vagabonds by up and coming artist Joy Villa! Check that out below, and be sure to check back next year for our exclusive feature with Joy, set to run in the new issue of Urban Grandstand Digital! 

New issue drops Monday, March 30, 2015!

All Star Sports to Hold Special Autograph Signing with Legendary Cleveland Cavaliers Players in Akron, OH...

It will be an event that all sports will remember. All Star Sports is presenting a special autograph signing with several legendary Cleveland Cavaliers players. 

Former players Campy Russell, Austin Carr, Jim Chones, and Bingo Smith will all be signing autographs Thursday, March 19, 2015 between the hours of 6:00pm and 7:30pm at the Summit Mall location of All Star Sports. Autograph pricing will range from $10 - $20, depending on the items being signed. 

Campy Russell played for the Cavs from 1974-1980, and again in 1984, while Jim Chones played from 1974-1979. Austin Carr played from 1971-1980 while Bingo Smith played from 1970 - 1979. 

For more information contact All Star Sports at 330-835-4007. 

GUND FOUNDATION MAKES $3 MILLION COMMITMENT TO PLAYHOUSE SQUARE CAMPAIGN; HISTORIC OHIO THEATRE LOBBY TO BE RESTORED

Cleveland, OH – The George Gund Foundation has made a $3 million commitment to Advancing the Legacy, The Campaign for Playhouse Square. This gift is designated to support the restoration of the historic Ohio Theatre Lobby, the only one yet to be restored, to its original 1921 splendor. In recognition of the foundation’s generosity, the lobby will be renamed the “George Gund Foundation Lobby.”

“Playhouse Square is one of Cleveland’s great success stories,” said David Abbott, Gund Foundation executive director. “This gift to Playhouse Square’s Advancing the Legacy campaign helps ensure that Clevelanders will continue to enjoy the arts and cultural programs that take place in its beautifully restored theaters for years to come.”

“The Gund Foundation has been a great supporter of the arts and of Playhouse Square for many years,” said Art J. Falco, president and CEO of Playhouse Square. “We are grateful for this gift and excited to begin restoring what will become known as the George Gund Foundation Lobby to its former glory.”

The first of the five historic Playhouse Square theaters to be restored, the Ohio Theatre was badly damaged by fire in 1964. During its early 1980s’ renovation, funding and time would not allow both the auditorium and lobby to be fully refurbished. While the auditorium was restored, a simple, contemporary design was created for the lobby.

The current lobby walls will be torn down to expose the original structure this July. Scaffolding will be erected so the theater can remain open during the renovation, which will include ornamentation sculpted by hand, the re-creation of murals and fireplaces, painting and new carpeting.

The re-creation of the lobby design is a collaboration between EverGreene Architectural Arts and Westlake Reed Leskosky. Construction services will be provided by Turner Construction and The Coniglio Company. 

“We are going to re-construct this lobby as authentically as possible,” said Jeff Greene, president and executive project director of EverGreene Architectural Arts. “You will see a phoenix rise from the ashes when we are done.”

“Advancing the Legacy, The Campaign for Playhouse Square,” led by chairs Thomas Adler, K.K. Sullivan and Daniel Walsh, is the largest philanthropic effort ever pursued by the organization. $57 million dollars have been raised toward the campaign to date and its objectives are: capital improvements, endowment growth, neighborhood transformation, education programming and new productions.

More information about Advancing the Legacy, The Campaign for Playhouse Square is available atplayhousesquare.org/legacy.

More information about the history of Playhouse Square and its impact on the city is available atplayhousesquare.org/history.

Michael Colyar: Living The Dream (Video Interview - Grandstand TV)

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Comedian Michael Colyar is a true legend in the world of comedy. Not only has he conquered the world of comedy, but he's also an accomplished actor, entertainer, voiceover artist, and author. Many will remember Colyar winning the Grand Prize Championship on Star Search. Others remember him for his show-stopping performances on Def Comedy Jam. Colyar has done so much over the past 30 years of his career, ranging from small to large productions, and television shows to large-budget films. It was in 1994 that he introduced the world to "Showboat" in House Party 3. He's made many appearances on your favorites sitcoms and television shows, including Martin, The Hughleys, The Parkers, In the House, and The Bernie Mac Show. The world fell in love with him; yet again, as Buford in The Princess & The Frog. These projects are only a small glimpse into the things that he's done throughout his career. Colyar has given us his all throughout the years, and fans love him tremendously for that. That actually brings us to tonight. Colyar is here in Cleveland, performing a string of sets at The Cleveland Improv! Despite the number of things he continues to do in his time, he continues to thrive and flourish in the stand-up world. We had the opportunity to catch up with Mr. Colyar for a quick interview about tonight's performance, and everything he's got going on right now. One of the big things we aim to push here at Urban Grandstand is living your dream. There's nothing like following your heart and passion and doing what you love! We talk to Mr. Colyar about that very thing, as it becomes clear that he is indeed living the dream!