::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

Caesar, Franklin and Morton honored at EMF By Mona Austin Church fans, devotion, an overflow room, spirit-lifting preaching and an all star gospel music line up: It’s Sunday Morning worship a la Essence Magazine's 16 th Annual Essence Music Festival All Star Gospel Salute (EMF) .   Gospel music sometimes gets pushed to the sidelines of major events, but here it had headline status, adding sparks to the fest's Independence Day activities. After two days of empowerment and partying, thousands packed an exhibit hall in the New Orleans Convention Center to praise. The program had the feel of mega church with world class gospotainers in tow to pay tribute to the legendary  Shirley Caesar , gospel music innovator Kirk Franklin and founder of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship , Bishop Paul S. Morton and his wife Deborah. Kirk Franklin’s words were filled with emotion as he accepted the honor with his wife, children and in-laws on the stage. ...

Weekend-long program will feature top industry talent and executives including Suzanne de Passe, Pauletta Washington, Niecy Nash, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tia Mowry, Kirk Franklin, Hezekiah Walker, Chrisette Michele, J. Moss, Brian Courtney Wilson and more     (Los Angeles, CA – July 9, 2010)   -- Following the great success of last year's inaugural conference, Relevé Entertainment announced today that THE MERGE SUMMIT 2010 will return to the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, CA, Thursday, August 26 through Saturday, August 28, 2010.   THE MERGE SUMMIT’s founder, Dr. Holly Carter , serves as chairperson and Robi Reed as co-chairperson of the event.   The three-day conference integrates faith and entertainment and provides a platform and educational forum for men and women of faith to interface and partner with executives and talent in the entertainment industry from New York to Hollywood (see full schedule below...

Tonya Baker's Live Recording   FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2010 @ 7:00 PM At The Ginghamsburg Church Near Dayton, OH   Chicago, IL: Kingdom Records has tapped Grammy-winning producer Myron Butler to produce Tonya Baker’s first live recording. The Dayton, OH native made her national debut with the acclaimed CD Special Friend in 2008 and she has been critically-praised for her unique blend of jazzy vocal riffs with a straightforward gospel message.   “I would be lying if I said I weren't a bit nervous,” the singer confesses. “…I've been asked for several years, `When are you going to do a live recording?’  Well, I guess this is the time and I pray that God will be pleased with our offering and the people will be blessed and encouraged.  There's nothing like the live experience.  You feel the energy from the people and the presence of God in the place… Most importantly, I don't want the people to just come looking for a great show - but an encounter wit...

Fred Hammond Presents Inaugural Pro ject "Life in the Word" In stores July 27 "Life In The Word" Pre-sale Campaign Kicks Off   This Week at Walmart's MP3 Store   (New York, NY - July 9, 2010) -- As a pioneer and one of the foremost exponents of urban praise and worship , Fred Hammond continues to push the bounds. Hammond and philanthropist Roy Campbell, his business partner, entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Universal Music Christian Group (UMCG) for their new label venture, fHammond Family Entertainment.   The inaugural CD project, Life in the Word will be available in stores and online everywhere on July 27 . "We are honored that Fred Hammond chose UMCG as the place where he could develop and unfurl his vision," said Rhoda Lawrence, Vice President of UMCG. "People are thirsty for music that tackles everyday issues in their lives and they want it delivered in a way that speaks to them. Fred Hammond has...

You've gotta admit:  Dan Gilbert, the owner of the team that LeBron James left for Miami Heat, The Cleveland Cavaliers has every right to take losing James as a devastating blow. I think we can all feel the mental anguish he's experienced as he realized his sports franchise won't be what it used to be now that their "former hero" has defected. But would you go so far as to vent your disappointment in a name-calling, open letter?  That action in and of itself is as over-the-top as he paints James' exit to have been.  Lebron James announced plans to join the Miami Heat on television this week. Read the entire letter below and feel free to post your comments.  CLEVELAND CAVALIERS OWNER'S OPEN LETTER Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;    As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.   T...