::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

The ultimate  women's empowerment, cultural celebration and black music experience --THE ESSENCE FESTIVAL -- get underway today. Multi-platinum superstar Jennifer Hudson will make her debut Festival performance, joined by R&B/Funk icon Chaka Khan and the reunion of New Edition at the 2011 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL celebrating the "Roots of R&B" July 1 , 2 and 3 in New Orleans .  Kem, Miguel, Naughty By Nature, Doug E. Fresh , Marsha Ambrosius , Mavis Staples , Eric Benet , Vanessa Bell Armstrong , Trin-i-tee 5:7 and Brian Courtney Wilson , Kanye West , Mary J. Blige , Trey Songz, Jill Scott , Charlie Wilson , Boyz II Men, Fantasia, George Clinton , Macy Gray and more round out an incredible performance line-up. "The ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL is bringing together the world's best entertainers representing all genres of R&B -- from the inimitable Jennifer Hudson to the iconic Chaka Khan ," said Michelle Ebanks , President, ESSENCE Commu...

Trin-i-tee 5:7, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Brian Courtney Wilson and Micah Stampley Hosted by Emmy nominated Radio Personality and Comedian "GRIFF" along with Pastor Rudy Rasmus, Music World Gospel Ambassador, and host of SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio's Show, Pastor Rudy's "Love Revolution," "GRIFF" to Host Live Performances at the Music World Entertainment/Beyond Productions Booth at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (Houston, TX - June 28, 2011) -- Mathew Knowles and Music World Gospel Present an ESSENCE Music Festival Superlounge Showcase at the Louisiana Superdome on Sunday, July 3. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and showtime is at 7:00 p.m. The showcase features artists on the Music World Gospel roster, including Trin-i-tee 5:7, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Brian Courtney Wilson and Micah Stampley. The event will be hosted by Emmy nominated radio personality and comedian "GRIFF" along with Pastor Rudy Rasmus, Music World Gospel Ambassador, an...

Broadway's MINSKOFF THEATER Overlooking Times Square with host SETH RUDETSKY of Chatterbox featured performers and special guests include SHOSHANA BEAN of Wicked UZO ADUBA (Corman Boy) SEAN BRADFORD (The Lion King) TODD BUONOPANE (Spelling Bee) LILLI COOPER (Spring Awakening) STEPANIE D'ABRUZZO (Avenue Q) LAURA MARIE DUNCAN (South Pacific) ASMERET GHEBREMICHAEL (Legally Blonde) FRANKIE JAMES GRANDE (Mr. Broadway 2007, Mamma Mia!) ADAM KANTOR (Rent) LAUREN KENNEDY (Side Show) ANDREW KOBER (Hair) TRACY MCDOWELL (Rent) COURTNEY REED (In The Heights) JULIE REIBER (Wicked) RASHIDRA SCOTT (Finian's Rainbow) LAQUET SHARNELL (Memphis) CHRISTOPER SPAULDING (Curtains) LISA NICOLE WILKERSON (The Lion King) and many more! MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2009 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. MINSKOFF THEATER 200 West 45th Street New York, New York ~ Tickets are $30, $75 for VIP and $250 for sponsorships, and can be purchased at the door or by visiting www.broadwayinsouthafrica.org Along with a spe...

Special CD/DVD package includes traditional and original recordings, live performance footage and a special bonus track by rising gospel label mate Brian Courtney Wilson (New York, NY) -- GRAMMY® nominated, Dove® and Stellar® Award winning recording artists, Trin-i-tee 5:7 have released their first Christmas album, Love * Peace * Joy at Christmas. The Spirit Rising/Music World Music CD/DVD holiday collection contains top seasonal classics performed by the acclaimed and the best-selling trio in gospel music history. Showcasing the group's charismatic and inspired talents, the package includes 11 tracks and a bonus DVD of five holiday classics performed by Trin-i-tee 5:7 from the recent TV special, Gospel Music Channel presents Christmas at Union Station. A special bonus track by gospel recording artist Brian Courtney Wilson rounds out the collection. Produced by Music World Production team The Bama Boyz (Beyoncé & Solange), Love * Peace * Joy at Christmas is sure to have somethi...