This Friday, April 2, 2010, Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married Too?” (www.whydidigetmarriedtoomovie.com) opens in theaters nationwide. If you missed seeing “Why Did I Get Married?” run out to Blockbuster and rent it before you see the sequel. The first movie shows four African American couples and long time friends that head out to the Rocky Mountains for an annual vacation. Life’s taken a toll on each couple in a different way, presenting challenges that ultimately put the intended joyous holiday to the test. There’s Mike and his wife Sheila who are dealing with fidelity, abuse, and obesity. Marcus and Angela are dealing with ex-girlfriend baby mama drama and STDs. Terry and Diane are the power couple with doctorate’s to boot, yet their lives are nearly torn apart as they struggle to attain a healthy work-life balance. The fourth couple, Gavin and Patricia struggle to mask the pain from the loss of their child who died accidentally.
When you look at the four couples, it’s tempting to think, “This can’t be real?” To that, I ask you to consider the people around you, and you might find a “Why Did I Get Married?” flick of your own in real life. As in life, some make it and some don’t, but the film leaves us with a sense of hope that all will finally be right in their lives.
That brings us to the sequel “Why Did I Get Married Too?” This time, the couples, well Sheila’s now with that hot police officer who saved the day for her named Troy, meet in the Bahamas. All seems right in the world, but true to form, things start to unravel yet again.
On this morning’s NBC “Today” show, Hoda and Kathie Lee interviewed Tyler Perry. He spoke about “Why Did I Get Married Too?” and how he got involved with helping “Precious” get distribution. Tyler closes out with some words of encouragement that certainly resounded with me about his own rise to fame. Check it out below:
If you live in Columbus, OH, Columbus Black is hosting a movie night out at the Arena Grand Theatre to see “Why Did I Get Married Too?” Check out their FACEBOOK INVITE or email info@columbusblack.com for more information. I’ll also post the invite on my own Facebook page (facebook.com/affrodite).
In the meantime, here are the trailers for “Why Did I Get Married?”:
It was sad news to read on Tuesday, December 8, 2010 that Tyler Perry’s mother, Maxine Perry, had passed away. Maxine, Tyler’s muse for his character Madea, had been ill for several months leading to her death. I’ve been reading Tyler Perry’s journal entries (he calls them”Email Messages from Tyler”) on his website www.tylerperry.com/_Messages, particularly the ones since Maxine’s passing, and it seems like hitting the stage was just what he needed to get back into life. “Madea’s Big Happy Family” kicked off on January 4, 2010 in El Paso, TX and concludes May 9, 2010 in Detroit, MI.
If you’re in the New York City area, “Madea’s Big Happy Family” starring Tyler Perry as Madea is currently playing at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden (January 27-31, 2010). For more information, visit Madison Square Garden’s site http://www.thegarden.com/events/madeas-big-happy-family.html for more information and ticket purchase.
I can now tell you Cassi Davis (who plays Aunt Ella on House of Payne), William Palmer Jr. (who plays Floyd on House of Payne), singer Cheryl Pepsi Riley, D’atra Hicks, Chandra Currelley, Tamar Davis, Stephanie Ferrett and Donnie Sykes (he also starred in Tyler’s stage play The Marriage Counselor) all star alongside Tyler, who of course plays Madea…
…Here’s the play’s synopsis (may include spoilers so read at your own discretion):
The family matriarch, Shirley, has experienced a recurrence of her unnamed cancer and the muscular, hunky doc gives her four- to six-weeks to live. She tries to convene the family – including her three warring daughters, two struggling sons and a crack-addled brother – to break the news. But they are so busy bickering and worrying about their own agendas – one’s a real estate agent in overdrive, another a frumpy “old maid” at 32, another resorts to selling drugs to please his brand-name addicted girlfriend – that mom can’t get a word in edgewise. When the family finally finds out her fate, it’s too late to clean up their acts.
After Shirley’s death, depicted in a lengthy scene that features one of the show’s most inspirational songs (performed by actress Chandra Currelley as Shirley) and a hokey video showing her ascension into a cloud-filled heaven, it’s up to Madea to set things straight, which she does with typically no-nonsense clarity and a lot of nostalgia for ’70s R&B music.
For those of us outside of the NYC metro area, here are the remaining tour dates. I have a DVD collection of Tyler Perry plays but have yet to see him live on stage. I see that he’ll be touring through Columbus, OH. I can’t wait to get tickets to this one!
Jan 27th – 31st, 2010
New York, NY
WaMu at Madison Square Garden
Feb 2nd, 2010
Florence, SC
Civic Center
Feb 3rd – 5th, 2010
Raleigh, NC
RBC Center
Feb 6th, 2010
Fayetteville, NC
Crown Center Coliseum
Feb 7th, 2010
Charlotte, NC
Bojangles’ Coliseum
Feb 9th, 2010
Macon, GA
Macon Centreplex
Feb 10th – 11th, 2010
Charleston, SC
North Charleston Coliseum
Feb 12th – 13th, 2010
Columbia, SC
Colonial Life Arena
Feb 14th, 2010
Columbus, GA
Columbus Civic Center
Feb 16th – 17th, 2010
Jacksonville, FL
Veterans Memorial Arena
Feb 18th, 2010
Chattanooga, TN
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium
Feb 19th – 20th, 2010
Winston Salem, NC
Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Feb 21st, 2010
Richmond, VA
Richmond Coliseum
Feb 23rd, 2010
Albany, GA
Albany Civic Center
Feb 24th – 25th, 2010
Nashville, TN
Municipal Auditorium
Feb 27th – 28th, 2010
Memphis, TN
Orpheum Theatre
Mar 2nd – 6th, 2010
Chicago, IL
Arie Crown Theatre
Mar 9th, 2010
Minneapolis, MN
Target Center
Mar 10th, 2010
Omaha, NE
Qwest Center
Mar 11th, 2010
Wichita, KS
Wichita Convention Hall
Mar 12th – 14th, 2010
Dallas, TX
Nokia Theatre
Mar 16th, 2010
Milwaukee, WI
US Cellular Arena
Mar 18th, 2010
Bridgeport, CT
Arena At Harbor Yard
Mar 19th – 21st, 2010
Hartford, CT
The Bushnell Theatre
Mar 24th, 2010
Augusta, GA
James Brown Arena
Mar 25th – 26th, 2010
Greenville, SC
Bi-Lo Center
Mar 27th, 2010
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham Civic Center
Mar 28th, 2010
Mobile, AL
Mobile Civic Ctr Arena
Apr 6th, 2010
Dayton, OH
Nutter Center
Apr 7th, 2010
Cincinnati, OH
Cintas Center
Apr 8th, 2010
Louisville, KY
Freedom Hall
Apr 13th – 14th, 2010
Savannah, GA
Savannah Civic Center
Apr 15th – 18th, 2010
Atlanta, GA
Fox Theatre
Apr 20th – 21st, 2010
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk Constant Center
Apr 23rd – 24th, 2010
St. Louis, Mo
Chaifetz Arena
Apr 25th, 2010
Kansas City, MO
Sprint Center
Apr 27th, 2010
Buffalo, NY
HSBC Arena
Apr 29th – May 2nd, 2010
Philadelphia, PA
Liacouras Center
May 4th, 2010
Columbus, OH
Nationwide Arena
May 5th, 2010
Toledo, OH
Lucas County Arena
May 6th – 9th, 2010
Detroit, Michigan
Fox Theatre Detroit
Triple threat releases Lifetime movie “Sins of the Mother” February 7, 2010; reveals new album “The Life of the Sun” Spring/Summer 2010; supports Lilith Fair tour with Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, and others.
NEW YORK, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ — Grammy Award winning singer/actress Jill Scott preps two movies, a cartoon series, a new bra for her Ashley Stewart intimate apparel line, new album “The Light Of The Sun” as well as main stage inclusion in the upcoming Lilith Fair tour. Scott was recently seen as lead role in HBO’s critically acclaimed “The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” directed by the late Oscar winning director Anthony Minghella. Jill and the show have garnered rave reviews and nominations from the Golden Globes, IPA Satellite Awards to the American Film Institute (AFI). Scott most recently nominated for NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Actress alongside 2 others the series earned including Outstanding Drama Series and Supporting Actress in Drama Series. This gears the triple threat artist for a huge 2010 year.
Scott’s next film project, Lifetime’s “Sins Of The Mother” which bows February 7th, revolves around a grad student who returns home to face her abusive, alcoholic mother – played by Scott – only to discover that her mom is sober and has a 3-year-old daughter and new life. Directed by Paul Kaufman and Executive produced by Damon Lee, the telepic is based on the novel “Orange, Mint & Honey” and adapted for television by Elizabeth Hunter.
Tyler Perry‘s “Why Did I Get Married Too?” releases April 2nd and returns Scott to the widely successful movie alongside Janet Jackson, Michael Jai White & Tyler Perry. Having their annual one-week reunion, four close couples gather together for a group vacation at the Bahamas to share news about their lives and relationships. Their intimate week in paradise is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Sheila’s (Scott) ex-husband, Mike, who looks forward to breaking up her marriage with Troy. While Sheila deals with her problem, the others realize they too are not immune to the challenges of commitment and fidelity.
Marvel Animation and BET Networks have teamed up to create the epic animated mini-series “Black Panther” out mid 2010. Scott voices X-men Heroine Storm alongside Golden Globe nominated actor Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond), Kerry Washington (Last King of Scotland) & Golden Globe winning actress Alfre Woodard (American Violet).
Ashley Stewart’s Butterfly Bra inspired by Jill Scott was widely successful garnering great coverage in “Women’s Wear Daily,” “Instyle Magazine” and “US Weekly.” The exclusive joint venture between Scott’s firm J Heather Inc. & Ashley Stewart stores saw the bra line expand nationally to over 220 stores. Founded from Scott’s need for support, comfort & style, a new innovative plunge style bra has been developed, and will be released nationally in the 2nd Quarter of 2010.
Following up to 2007′s Grammy nominated Gold certified album “The Real Thing,” Jill is currently in the studio recording her 5th album titled “The Light Of The Sun.” The album embarks Jill on a flurry of emotional poetry as both her career and personal life have skyrocketed with success in Hollywood and birth of first child. The album is expected to be a Spring/Summer 2010 release, just in time for Scott’s return to the stage.
Returning to her first love, live performance, Scott will be a featured performer alongside her colleagues Sarah McLachlan, Mary J.Blige, Sheryl Crow, Erykah Badu, Colbie Caillat at the 2010 Lilith Fair Tour; a celebration of diverse female voices across all genres. Dates are still being confirmed and are updated on www.lilithfair.com.
To find out more updates on Jill Scott, film, music and other upcoming projects please visit www.jillscott.com.
For more info on her non profit organization Blues Babe Foundation please visit www.bluesbabefoundation.org.
CONTEST ENDED ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2009. FEEL FREE TO READ REST OF POST TO LEARN ABOUT THE BLACK LIST PROJECT.
The Black List Project is currently running a promotion where you can win a free copy of The Black List Vol. 2 on DVD via Facebook and Twitter. See below for details.
Tag The Black List Project in your status (this is new to me, but I tried it and it works, Facebook is like Twitter now I guess) by typing an ampersand “@” and then the name The Black List Project (should pop up if you’re a member, just select it) and then make a comment about entering this contest.
Add a comment on The Black List Project fan page on Facebook where there’s a status message about the contest to confirm your entry in the contest.
Winners will be drawn at random throughout the week.
Via TWITTER
Follow BlackList1 on Twitter
Send message “@BlackList1 …” indicating that you’re entering the contest.
I do not have specifics regarding an end date for this contest but I can assure you it is currently active at the time of this post (Oct 21, 2009).
Here is some more information about The Black List Project and the related DVDs. There was also a contest, which is the subject of the first video below, where people would name their own Black List. Both Volume 1 and 2 have some great African-American talent that I’m considering owning both copies for my DVD collection.
VIDEO- The Blacklist Vol. II: The Winners (HBO). I can personally relate to the first woman’s story about how she was treated by her own black peers.
“The Black List Project reveals the diverse experiences of being black in America through interviews and portrait sessions with leading African-American figures. The project was conceived by photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, who collaborated with Elvis Mitchell, film critic and NPR correspondent.” (source: blacklistproject.com)
RZA- The Black List Vol 2
Majora Carter- The Black List Vol 2
CNN feature on The Black List Vol 1
“The Black List Vol 2 is on sale now both online and in stores at Target. The new DVD features the full 60 minute film which premiered on HBO in February 2009 as a well as a wide array of bonus features, portraits, and behind the scenes footage. ” (source: blacklistproject.com)
Featured in Vol. 2- Majora Carter, Angela Davis, Suzanne de Passe, Laurence Fishbourne, Barbara Harris, Deval Patrick, T.D. Jakes, Valerie Montgomerey-Rice MD, Tyler Perry, Charley Pride, Patrick Robinson, Maya Rudolph, RZA, Melvin Van Peebles, Kara Walker
Filmmaker Tyler Perry is featured in The Blacklist: Volume Two, along with a highly respected line-up of fellow artists, academics, athletes, activists, authors and more.
The Blacklist Project reveals the diverse experiences of being Black in America through interviews and portrait sessions with leading African-American figures. The project was conceived by photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders in collaboration with Elvis Mitchell, film critic and NPR correspondent.
Featured in THE BLACK LIST: VOL. 2 are activist and artist Majora Carter; activist and academic Angela Davis; Producer Suzanne de Passe; Actor Laurence Fishburne; Anglican Bishop Barbara Harris; Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick; Pastor T.D. Jakes; physician and academic Valerie Montgomery-Rice, M.D.; Filmmaker Tyler Perry; Singer Charley Pride; Fashion Designer Patrick Robinson; Actress Maya Rudolph; Musician RZA; Filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles; and Artist Kara Walker.
The Blacklist: Volume Two was released at Target stores on Tuesday, October 13th.
Hosted by Actress Gabrielle Union, “THE BET HONORS” Recognizes the Accomplishments of Tyler Perry, Mary J. Blige, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, B. Smith, Judith Jamison and Congressman James E. Clyburn Inaugural Ball to Support America’s Promise Alliance and Washington, D.C.’s Dunbar High School And the Duke Ellington School of the Arts
Last update: 12:08 p.m. EST Dec. 15, 2008
NEW YORK, Dec 15, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — BET Networks kicks off the inaugural festivities in Washington, D.C., with the second annual BET HONORS on Saturday, January 17 and concludes with BET’s first-ever Inaugural Ball on Tuesday, January 20.
Hosted by world renowned actress Gabrielle Union, THE BET HONORS will celebrate legendary songstress Mary J. Blige (Entertainment), groundbreaking filmmaker Tyler Perry (Media), celebrated dancer and choreographer Judith Jamison (Education), businessman, philanthropist and basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson (Corporate Citizen), entrepreneur extraordinaire B. Smith (Entrepreneur), and the Honorable Congressman James E. Clyburn (Public Service). The second annual event will take place at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, January 17 and premiere on the network during Black History Month on Monday, February 9 at 9:00 p.m.*
“We are thrilled to kick off this historic inauguration weekend with the return of THE BET HONORS, a truly inspirational event that pays tribute to extraordinary individuals in our community,” said Debra L. Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, BET Networks. “And it couldn’t have worked out more perfectly that THE BET HONORS and the Inauguration are happening within days of each other, as President-elect Barack Obama epitomizes all that we had in mind when we first put this show together. I’m certain that this year’s BET HONORS will be even more poignant and powerful than we could have ever imagined.”
“THE BET HONORS recognizes excellence in achievement and celebrates inspiration,” said Stephen Hill, President of Programming, BET Networks. “Last year’s inaugural show had a number of leave-your-seat performances dedicated to our honorees. This year, we’re finding new ways to musically pay tribute so look forward to fresh, unforgettable moments. The pride will show.”
During the historic weekend and following THE BET HONORS, BET Networks will host its first-ever Inaugural Ball and will air a one-hour special, YES WE WILL! BET’S INAUGURAL CELEBRATION, on BET on Tuesday, January 20. Taking place at the Mandarin Oriental hotel, the Ball will be in support of our next generation of national and local leaders, with proceeds benefiting America’s Promise Alliance, the nation’s largest non-profit alliance dedicated to the well-being of children and youth founded by Colin and Alma Powell.
Additionally, the Ball will support two institutions that are committed to the education and advancement of today’s youth in Washington, D.C. – Dunbar High School and the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.
“As we celebrate this historic inauguration and begin a new chapter in our nation’s history, it’s important that we stay focused on our most precious resource — our children and youth,” said Alma J. Powell, chair, America’s Promise Alliance. “We are deeply honored to partner with BET to raise awareness of the challenges facing our young people — and applaud those making a positive difference in their communities. We cannot afford to stand still as more than a million students drop out of high school every year.”
About THE BET HONORS
Last year’s honorees included Alicia Keys, Tyra Banks, Dr. Cornel West, Richard Parsons, the Honorable Maxine Waters and Janice Bryant Howroyd. Hosted by Cedric “The Entertainer,” the first annual event boasted performances and presentations by Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, Wyclef Jean, Gladys Knight, Brian McKnight, Blair Underwood and Vivica A. Fox, just to name a few.
Stephen Hill, President of Programming, BET Networks, and Lynne Harris Taylor, Vice President of Specials, BET Networks, are the show’s executive producers, along with John Cossette of John Cossette Productions.
For up-to-the-minute and archival press information including releases and photographs, visit BET’s press-only Web site at www.bet.com/pr.
*All times ET/PT
About the 2009 BET Honorees
MARY J. BLIGE – Mary J. Blige is an eight-time Grammy Award-winning and Golden Globe-nominated singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, and actress who has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide.
TYLER PERRY – Tyler Perry is a remarkable playwright, screenwriter, actor and director and producer known for his very funny yet poignant plays and movies. Over the years, many credited Perry with resuscitating (and reinventing) African-American theater. Perry’s first eight plays reportedly earned a cumulative gross of more than $75 million in ticket and video sales.
EARVIN “MAGIC” JOHNSON – Earvin “Magic” Johnson is Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises. Through strategic investments, partnerships and endorsements, Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE) provides products and services that focus on ethnically diverse urban communities. As Chairman and Founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation, he is dedicated to developing programs and supporting services that address the educational, health and social needs of those residing in minority communities. Mr. Johnson is universally known for his 13 year career in the NBA. His honors include: five national championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, three MVP awards, 12 NBA All-Star games, a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain and induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Mr. Johnson is also Vice President and part owner of the Los Angeles Lakers.
CONGRESSMAN JAMES E. CLYBURN – Congressman James E. Clyburn is an illustrious politician and House Majority Whip, the third-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives. In 1992 he became the first African American elected to the House of Representatives from South Carolina since 1897. He proudly represents South Carolina’s 6th Congressional district, the state’s only majority-black district, which includes Florence, Sumter and large portions of Columbia and Charleston. He is second African American (behind Bill Gray of Pennsylvania) and the first South Carolinian to serve as Majority Whip.
JUDITH JAMISON – Judith Jamison is a celebrated dancer, choreographer, and artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, now celebrating its 50th anniversary, and recognized by the U.S. Congress as a vital “American Cultural Ambassador to the World.” One of the most renowned figures in modern dance, she has led the Ailey organization to new heights with the opening of a permanent home in New York City — the nation’s largest building for dance. Dedicated to asserting the prominence of the arts in our culture, Ms. Jamison is an author and a recipient of a primetime Emmy Award and many of the nation’s most prestigious honors given to artists.
B. SMITH – B. Smith is a former fashion model turned restaurateur, television host, author, entrepreneur and entertainer extraordinaire who is widely regarded as an expert when it comes to casual but elegant living. A seasoned culinary expert who was recognized by Elle DA(C)cor as one of America’s 10 most outstanding non-professional chefs, Smith is the owner of three successful B. Smith restaurants in New York, Washington D.C., and the scenic Long Island Hampton village of Sag Harbor.
About America’s Promise Alliance
America’s Promise Alliance is the nation’s largest partnership alliance comprised of corporations, nonprofit organizations, foundations, policymakers, advocacy and faith groups committed to ensuring that children receive the fundamental resources — the Five Promises — they need to lead successful, healthy and productive lives and build a stronger society. Building on the legacy of our founder General Colin Powell, the Alliance believes the success of our children is grounded in experiencing the Five Promises — caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others — at home, in school and in the community. For more information about America’s Promise Alliance, visit www.americaspromise.org.
About BET Networks
VIA.B, is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 87 million households according to Nielsen Media Research, and can be seen in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET Digital Networks – BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, an extension of BET network programming for global distribution.
A. What hell is up with my page today? My widget bar thingy is at the bottom of the page. Come on WordPress People! Don’t hide behind one of those sayings like you get what you pay for! I like free shit that works all the time.
UPDATE 3/7: I told myself “to hell with that theme” and picked another one. This one’s more generic but it works for me.
B. Now onto my post…
So, I joined Netflix after visiting with some of my girl homies in NC. It was really motivated by a way to stay connected to them than anything else. After all, my hubby has just about every cable channel known to mankind, so I shouldn’t be missing out on anything…but I am.
I’m the type that likes those off the beaten path type flicks. Mainstream Hollywood does not hold my attention. I love documentaries, Indy flicks, stuff like that.
As I surfed Netflix a few weeks ago, I ran across a movie called “Dirty Laundry” (you know when those pop up windows keep suggesting movies based on things you click) and the story seemed interesting.
Talented, gay and African-American, Patrick (Rockmond Dunbar) is a rising journalist at a New York City magazine who suddenly must confront his Southern roots and a mother not yet comfortable with her son’s choices and sexual identity. Patrick and his partner’s perfectly cosmopolitan world is shattered when an unexpected knock at their door brings to the forefront the issue of lifestyle acceptance within the down-home community of his youth. (source: Netflix)
50% of your donation (less Pay Pal fees) will go to Emerge Global charity (http://emergeglobal.org/). The other 50% funds the sweat equity I put into my work for your enjoyment. My hope is that one day I will be able to donate 100% to charity.
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