Arts Entertainment

I-OCTANE'S LATEST STUDIO RECORDING COMES "STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART
Inquiring News Staff Report

New York, NY - I-Octane has had a groundbreaking year! In January he announced and promoted his My Life Tour. The six-month tour included shows in the US, Canada, the Caribbean and Japan. The year also included features in Vibe Magazine, Billboard Magazine and over ten Award Nominations of which he nabbed approximately seven wins. Added to that, the artist released a catalogue of singles that received continuous airplay on top radio stations including Hot 97 and Sirius XM Radio. Now he is rounding out the year with a new project slated for release on December 6, 2011.

It is the eve of the release for I-Octane's debut EP, "Straight From the Heart" and in true I-Octane style the singer/songwriter stepped outside the box and came up with something intended just for his fans. The EP is unlike anything fans and industry executives will expect from I-Octane. Laden with tracks that include, Burn Dem Bridge, Blood A Go Run, Crime A Rise, Falling, Example for the Poor and My Problems Gone, I-Octane remarks, "I feel good about the singles and I am excited for my fans to hear something different from me."

For the EP, I-Octane worked with producers Stephen "The Genius" McGregor, Kimani "DJ Frass" Palmer, Garry G of Uniiqe Impact Productions, Dev Kutta of Livity Movements, Jordan McClure and David "Hizzle Hayle of Chimney Records. "Straight From the Heart" is the first project off the singer's own label, Conquer the Globe. The project is already receiving a 'thumbs up' by the media as single "Crime A Rise" was featured in the Jon Carmanica section of the New York Times.

In a previously released statement, I-Octane shared the following sentiments about the EP, "As an artist we spend so much time on the go and our interaction with our fans is so limited for so many reasons. Therefore, I take the opportunity while singing to speak to my fans. On this EP I went in depth about the unfortunate situations when friends turn their backs on you, falling in love, the recent increase in crime worldwide, the struggles of the poor and the lack of support ghetto people receive from those inna Jacket and Tie. I also go on to tell fans no matter what your struggles, Jah is the constant source to strength and he will help shoulder your burdens."

On Monday, December 12, 2011, DROM NYC, in association with Federation Sound and Destine Media, will host a by invitation only launch for the EP. I-Octane will perform selected tracks from the EP for media outlets and industry insiders. Thereafter, fans will be able to see I-Octane perform on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at Sparks in Newark, NJ and on Friday, December 16, 2011 at Rebel in New York City.

"Straight From The Heart" will be available for purchase through Amazon and iTunes on Tuesday, December 6, 2011.

Born and raised in Trenton, NJ, Willie Condry, Jr., or KASSO as he is popularly known, grew up in the cities North Ward. Art was a creative outlet that manifested itself early on. Since the age of 5, KASSO has been creating art. He first noticed graffiti art at the age of 7 when graffiti artist from North Jersey and New York were creating murals for local businesses in Trenton. At age 11, he watched the legendary battle between LA graffiti writers HEX and SLICK on television and that's when he realized what he was destined to do.

KASSO went on to study Fine Arts and Illustration at the College of New Jersey, where he excelled in painting, drawing and ceramic sculpture. He furthered his education under the tutelage of legendary graffiti artist, teacher, and mentor Daniel "POSE 2" Hopkins, where he mastered the fine art of aerosol painting.

Today KASSO is primary know for his unique portraits and vivid aerosol based murals. He is a pioneering force in the Trenton, NJ art scene and has worked with numerous non-profit organizations, some of which included: One Simple Wish, ALBUS CAVUS, NJTL(National Junior Tennis League), Home Front, City Without Walls, Isles Youth Build and The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. Along with S.A.G.E. Collective and the Vicious Styles Crew, KASSO has produced dozens of murals throughout the city of Trenton and across the east coast. He has also been commissioned to produced fine art for numerous celebrities and avid art collectors. His goal is to keep producing art by any means and to keep pushing the limits of what art can conceive and achieve.

 SAGE Mission statement

S.A.G.E. (Stylez Advancin Graffiti's Evolution) Collective is a crew of artists who are taking public art to a new dimension. We are the muralists of the future. SAGE combines the abstract with the absolute in art to bring murals into the twenty-second century, while preserving the history of a community on the walls of it's structures. SAGE artists remind those in neighborhoods that unity in community and pride in heritage are still alive. Our humanitarian goal is to uplift the lives of our communities and create a source of pride around the soul of the message.

www.sagecollective.blogspot.com

OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK ANNOUNCES NEW OPRAH.COM 'GIVE SWEET THANKS' HOLIDAY SWEEPSTAKES  A Chance for Five Individuals to win $500 and Matching Donation to Local Charity

Los Angeles, CA - OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today the launch of an online holiday sweepstakes at Oprah.com in support of the new fall series "Welcome to Sweetie Pie's." Starting today through November 28, viewers can enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win $500, in addition to a matching $500 donation to a local charity in their community at www.oprah.com/sweetthanks.

 
Viewers are encouraged to share a Thanksgiving family tradition (e.g., favorite recipe, family activity, fun memory, etc.), using the text and photo upload tools available on www.oprah.com.

Five winners will be chosen at random and are eligible to receive:
• $500 award
• $500 matching donation to the winner's local charity for the holidays

Winners will be announced on on-air December 3 during the season finale of "Welcome to Sweetie Pie's" on OWN.

About "Welcome to Sweetie Pie's"
Saturday, 9-10 p.m. ET/PT When Robbie Montgomery - one of the original back-up singers for 1960s soul duo sensation Ike and Tina Turner - toured with the band, she poured her creative gifts into her cooking as much as her singing. After the singing stopped, Robbie took her mother's soul food recipes, passed down through generations, and created the empire known as "Sweetie Pie's," St. Louis' iconic and wildly popular soul food restaurant run by Robbie and her dynamic family. With two successful locations, Miss Robbie is upping the ante and preparing to open a third restaurant with the help of her son and business partner, Tim. While Tim and his girlfriend, Jenae, also prepare for the birth of their first child - and their wedding - Miss Robbie, who has never been married, continues to look for love at the age of 71. "Welcome to Sweetie Pie's" follows the loud, loving and still very musical Montgomery family as they struggle with the demands of expanding their family-owned business, one soulful dish at a time. Produced by Pilgrim Films & Television.

About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
A joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is a multi-platform media company designed to entertain, inform and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN debuted on January 1, 2011, in approximately 77 million homes on what was the Discovery Health Channel. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform, Oprah.com. For more information, please visit www.oprah.com/own and www.press.discovery.com/us/own.

By Frank Prater Inquiring news
Uncusville - Jay Z and Kanye West, Roc-A-Fella's reigning royal dynamic duo, performance at the Mohegan Sun Arena, was not only fantastic, it proved one other thing. Although superstars in their own right, it showed that (two) musical titans can 'check their egos' and produce a 'jamfest' whether performing side by side or delfing into their own individual hits list. You literally got two shows for the price of one! Each performed mini solo sets, pulling from their extensive solo catalogs, while incorporating songs from their current platinum album, Watch The Throne. Throughout the arena was engulfed with psycedelic lasers when Jay-Z and West weren't performing atop their own 40 foot video risers. Amid the music's thunderous subsonic bass lines, video boards broadcasted simultaneously piercing images of America ugly past (KKK), present ( election of Barac Obama) and future ( a greener and tolerent landscape).

Watch the Throne? No need to. These Kings of Rap are at the top of their game and here to stay.

PRESS RELEASE “FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF”

MaPeach Production proudly presents the encore performance of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf.” Coming to Three Rivers Community College, 574 New London Tpke.

Norwich CT.  DECEMBER 10th 7pm - 9pm. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

From its inception in California1974 the highly acclaimed critical success of this Broadway Obie and Tony Award–winning Coreopoem, “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf” has excited, inspired, and transformed audiences all over the country. This production is passionate and fearless; Shange's words reveal the deep challenges many women have faced and overcame through out the twentieth century. First published in 1975, Shange’s work was praised by The New Yorker for "encom­passing . . . every feeling and experience a woman has ever had”. Every adult and coming of age woman will be able to identify with one if not all of the characters. Each poem is written with vivid and powerful language that resonates in the souls of the cast members so everyone in the theater can travel with them on their journey to peace and acceptance.

The director of this production, a well known poet, playwright and actor, is a native of Hartford, CT. Darlene “Peaches” Brandon is most known locally as the former host of the Monday night “Love Jones Experience” of which she retired from to pursue directing under her company MaPeach Productions. In September of 2008 Darlene was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, which directly affected her ability to perform. Through her love for the arts, Darlene began her fight to gain mobility so she could return to the stage. Darlene has taken on the role of Director for this performance; she has heart for the artistic community and is dedicated to bringing quality performances to the Greater Hartford area while coaching and developing new and seasoned talent.

Please come and follow along with us in this fierce message of self –celebration we bring to the world through the most electrifying performers from this area.

Montreal - (October 2, 2011) – The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil are proud to present tonight the World Premiere of Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour™ in Montreal at the Bell Centre. Proudly presented by Sun Life Financial, tonight’s performance is the kick-off of the world tour which will travel across North America and the rest of the world. The show was written and directed by Jamie King, the leading concert director in pop music today.

Members of the Jackson Family, including Michael’s mother, Katherine, and his three children, along with special guests and generous donors for La Soirée ONE DROP will be on hand to experience this once-in-a-lifetime electrifying production that will combine Michael Jackson music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil creativity to give fans worldwide a unique view into the spirit, passion and heart of the artistic genius who forever transformed global pop culture. “I am excited to see how Michael’s vision and passion for music and dance will be interpreted by Cirque du Soleil for The Immortal Tour,” said Mrs. Jackson. “His vibrant spirit and love for performing will be honored in this unique tribute to Michael’s legacy.”

A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world and literally turns his signature moves upside down, Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour unfolds Michael Jackson’s artistry before the eyes of the audience. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to
transcend generations.

The Immortal World Tour takes place in a fantastical realm where we discover Michael’s inspirational Giving Tree—the wellspring of his creativity. The secrets of Michael’s inner world are unlocked—his love of music and dance, fairy tale and
magic, and the fragile beauty of nature. The underpinnings of The Immortal World Tour are Michael Jackson’s powerful,
inspirational music and lyrics— the driving force behind the show—brought to life with extraordinary power and breathless intensity.

Through unforgettable performances Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour underscores Michael’s global messages of love, peace and unity. The creative team for Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour is the largest ever for a Cirque du Soleil production. For tour cities and ticket information, please go to www.cirquedusoleil.com/MichaelJackson.