music Archives - VIPP Communications

November 29, 2023November 29, 2023

The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy is giving “hope” during the holiday season

Celebrating 34 years with a dinner concert at the University Club

(Louisville, KY) The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA) will host its 34th Hope Awards Dinner Concert at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 2nd at the University Club located at 200 E. Brandeis Street.

This year’s McDaniel Bluitt Hope Award recipient and keynote speaker will be Dr. Kelly McCants, Cardiologist for Norton Medical Group.
Additional awards will be presented during the program to recognize the supporters of WLPAA.

McDaniel Bluitt, Executive Director says “Every year we add youth to the choirs, so this annual gala gives them concert experience, opportunity for family and friends to support them and to highlight leaders and businesses that support us. This year’s speaker, Dr. McCants is a true leader in his field and I want to introduce my students that with hard work and determination anything is possible in whatever field, you chose to be in. We invite you to come out and celebrate our 34th anniversary. Enjoy good music, food, and a motivational speech by Dr. McCants.”

Tickets are $100.00 for adults and $50.00 for students. Tickets are available on Eventbrite and/or by contacting Mamie Bluitt, WLPAA by calling 502-418-7236 or by email at mamiegr@gmail.com.

We would like to thank all our supporters over the last 34 years. This year’s Hope Awards Dinner Concert was funded in part by the Fund for the Arts.

To arrange an interview with McDaniel Bluitt, founder of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy, contact: info@vippcommunications.com.

To learn more about the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy visit our website at http://www.westlouisvilleperformjngarts.org.

June 7, 2023June 7, 2023

KCAAH announces 2023 Juneteenth Weekend Heritage Experience

Louisville, KY–The Heritage Center invites you to celebrate with us during the 2023 Juneteenth Weekend Heritage Experience, featuring “The Fannie Lou Hamer Story,” doors open at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, and the Juneteenth and Father’s Day Jazz Brunch featuring the Ansyn Banks Legacy Quintet with guest vocalist Karen Chavis and host Marjorie Marshall at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 18 at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage (KCAAH), 1701 W. Muhammad Ali.

The Fannie Lou Hamer Story is an award-winning 90-minute one-woman stage play performed by Mzuri Moyo Aimbaye. The play is riveting storytelling, celebrating an unsung hero who became a catalyst for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

General admission for The Fannie Lou Hamer Story $25.00/Limited V.I.P. Seating ($30.00).

KCAAH Executive Director Aukram Burton believes: “When we think about Juneteenth, it must be remembered as a moment of clarity about our struggles and how far we have come. That is why the Heritage Center is proud to showcase a play about the life of voting rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer. Now is the time to truly examine the challenges we face as Black voters, and Fannie Lou Hamer was a powerful and passionate voice that needs to resonate, even today.”

In addition, the weekend experience will feature Ansyn Banks Legacy Quintet with Ansyn Banks (Trumpet), Dave Clark (Saxophone), Gabe Evens (Piano), Tyrone Wheeler (Bass), & Jonathan Higgins (Drums). Marjorie Marshall will host the performance and guest vocalist Karen Chavis will be invited to grace the stage with her angelic voice. General admission for the Juneteenth and Father’s Day Jazz Brunch is $40.00/Limited V.I.P. Seating ($45.00).

Visit WWW.KCAAH.ORG to purchase tickets. For more information, contact Marjorie Marshall at 502-271-9228.

To setup an interview contact VIPP Communications at booking@vippcommunications.com.

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June 4, 2023June 4, 2023

Roots 101 African American Museum gets rave reviews for music legend Static Major exhibit

(Louisville, KY) Roots 101 welcomed during Kentucky Derby weekend the long-awaited tribute to the ‘King of Kentucky” the late Stephen “Static Major” Garrett. The exhibit will take you through the legendary music career of the musical genius. The Louisville, Kentucky native was a singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born on November 11, 1974, and died on February 23, 2008. He was a member of the R&B trio Playa that went on to have hits like “Cheers 2 U” and “Don’t Stop the Music”. This is their 25^th anniversary of the group’s formation.

Static Major has produced with some of the biggest artists in R&B and Hip-Hop from Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Nicole Wray, Pretty Ricky to Lil Wayne. Proceeding Garrett’s death, in 2018, hip-hop superstar Drake featured Garrett in his hit song “After Dark”. Then in 2020, Louisville native Jack Harlow hit. “Luv Is Dro”, which was a song of Garrett reworked by Harlow.

You can see the temporary exhibit through July 8^th.

Avonti Garrett, the widow and mother of his two children remembers not only the artist but the family man. “Stephen Ellis Garrett aka Static Major was a special one-of-a-kind person. He not only was a talented singer, songwriter, and producer, he was a good husband, father, son, and friend. He was a family man who was generous to all. Static had a way of leaving a memorable impression with everyone he encountered. The love that he generously displayed made all of us feel special to him. His timeless music still has a great influence over the music industry. Static Major is and will forever be a true legend. The Goat!!! By age 33. His family, friends, and I appreciate the love and we are truly grateful for the honoring of his legacy. He is greatly missed by all. “

Lamont Collins, Founder of Roots 101 shares his excitement about having the exhibit at his museum. He says, “It’s so important to document and preserve our history. Stephen “Static Major” Garrett played and still plays a vital role in the entertainment industry. This was a long time in the making, this should have happened a long time ago. We are happy that Roots 101 in Garrett’s hometown was able to make it happen. We invite you to come see the temporary exhibit. We hope it will have a permanent home someday, but it is an honor to be the first to display his life and superstar career. Legacies matter and Roots 101 continues to chronicle history of African Americans in our community and the outstanding contributions made not only to Kentucky but the world.”

To setup an interview contact VIPP Communications at booking@vippcommunications.com.

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May 2, 2023May 2, 2023

Music legend Static Major exhibit opens at Roots 101 during Kentucky Derby weekend

(Louisville, KY) On Monday, May 8^th, Roots 101 welcomes the long awaited tribute to the ‘King of Kentucky” the late Stephen “Static Major” Garrett. The exhibit will take you through the legendary music career of the musical genius. The Louisville, Kentucky native was a singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born on November 11, 1974, and died on February 23, 2008. He was a member of the R&B trio Playa that went on to have hits like “Cheers 2 U” and “Don’t Stop the Music”. This is their 25^th anniversary of the group’s formation.

Prior to the public exhibit opening, which will be in Roots 101 from May 8^th thru July 8^th. (With a possibility of a longer run). There will be a private event on Sunday, May 7^th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The Music Is Like Breathing Brunch will give family, friends, and special guests an opportunity to get the first look at the exhibit and share special stories of the talented Kentucky native who was ahead of his time.

Media can R.S.V.P. for the private reception at booking@vippcommunications.com. To setup an interview, contact VIPP Communications at 502-341-7306.

March 9, 2023March 9, 2023

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE FOR DERBY SOUNDSTAGE 2023

Featuring T.I. Trina, Jeezy and DJ Drama

(Louisville, KY) Kentucky Derby weekend would not be the same without the concert professionals of Derby Soundstage 2023, bringing some of the top Hip-Hop and R&B artists in the entertainment industry.

This year’s concert in the Derby City will be one for the history books when it comes to the accolades, they bring to the Louisville stage.

Derby Soundstage 2023 announces that on Thursday, May 4^th at Freedom Hall fans can see T.I., Jeezy, and Trina. Hosted by DJ Drama.

Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations. Presale ends on April 2^nd. Currently, tickets range from $65.00 to $200.00. After April 2^nd tickets start at $80.

T.I. is a three-time Grammy Award winning recording artist with anthems like ‘Whatever You Like’, ‘U Don’t Know Me’, to ‘Big Things Poppin’. T.I. has sold over 10 million albums in the U.S. alone. The founding executive of Grand Hustle Records is also a successful actor, entrepreneur, and the host of a poplar podcast “expediTIously with Tip ‘T.I’ Harris. This will be T.I.’s first live appearance in Louisville since 2016.

Jeezy is a Def Jam artist who released ‘Snofall’ which is now available on all streaming platforms. He’s recently been featured in Freddie Gibbs ‘Rabbit Vision’. Over this ‘EnTrapreneur’s’ career Jeezy has had a #1 hit Billboard hit ‘Put On’, three top ten hits and 25 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 like ‘Love in This Club’, Soul Survivor’, ‘Leave You Alone’ and ‘Trap or Die’.

Trina is known as the ‘Da Baddest’ in hip-hop. She currently stars in the realty show, Love & Hip Hop: Miami. XXL calls Trina the most consistent female rapper of all time. Putting out hits like ‘Here We Go’, ‘B R Right’, and ‘Pull Over’ to name a few of Trina’s many hits.

DJ Drama is a Grammy Award winning artist and co-founder of Generation Now of Atlantic Records that represents artists like Louisville native Jack Harlow and Lil Uzi Vert. He gained recognition as T.I. ‘s official DJ under Atlantic’s Grand Hustle label.

Derby Soundstage 2023 is presented by Real 93.1 and is produced by The Live Suite. To be a sponsor, contact Live Suite Production at livsuite@gmail.com.

To obtain credentials to cover the concert and/or request an interview contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com or by calling 502.341.7306. Media credential deadline will be April 28^th.

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Derby Soundstage 2023 featuring T.I., Jeezy, Trina, & DJ Drama

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Freedom Hall, Louisville, Kentucky

Tickets range from $65-$200. You can purchase at any Ticketmaster location and/or ticketmaster.com.

The Live Suite www.thelivesuite.com.

January 28, 2023January 28, 2023

DERBY SOUNDSTAGE 2023 RETURNS BRINGING HIP HOP ROYALTY TO CELEBRATE DURING KENTUCKY DERBY WEEKEND

Official News Release

This year’s concert in the Derby City will be one for the history books when it comes to the accolades, they bring to the Louisville stage.

Derby Soundstage 2023 announces that on Thursday, May 4^th at Freedom Hall fans can see T.I., Jeezy, and Trina. Hosted by DJ Drama.

Tickets will be available at all Ticketmaster locations on February 13th. They range from $65.00 to $200.00

Derby Soundstage 2023 is presented by Real 93.1 and is produced by The Live Suite. To be a sponsor, contact The Live Suite at livsuite@gmail.com.

To obtain interviews and/or credentials contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com or by calling 502.341.7306.

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Derby Soundstage 2023 featuring T.I., Jeezy, Trina, & DJ Drama

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Freedom Hall, Louisville

Tickets go on sale via ticketmaster.com starting Monday, February 13^th. Tickets range from $65-$200.

The Live Suite www.thelivesuite.com.

*Note- Artist’s photos please courtesy them by the performer’s name

November 16, 2022November 16, 2022

BRINGING IN THE HOLIDAYS WITH JAZZ AND SHOPPING AT THE VILLAGE

(Louisville, KY) MOLO Village is hosting Holiday Jazz & Shopping at the Village on Friday, December 9th at The Village @ West Jefferson located at 1219 West Jefferson Street in Suite 204.

We invite you to this free event which will run from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Dr. Jamesetta Ferguson, President & CEO of MOLO Village says “As the Russell community continues to thrive
so does the need for shopping options. We invite you to come out and enjoy some great music while shopping
for your holiday needs with local vendors. We take pride in showcasing local entrepreneurs and we support
them any chance we get. We also invite you to checkout our brick n’ mortar businesses at The Village. When
you visit.”

Please post and/or announce our holiday event. If you would like to setup an interview, contact VIPP
communications by calling 502-341-7306 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com. If you would like to
be a vendor contact MOLO Village at 502-513-6682.

WHO: MOLO Village

WHAT: Hosting Holiday Jazz & Shopping at the Village

WHEN: Friday, December 9, 2022

WHERE: The Village @ West Jefferson, 1219 West Jefferson Street, Suite 204

TIME: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

November 6, 2022November 6, 2022

West Louisville Performing Arts Academy celebates 33 years of helping youth through arts

Immediate Release

November 1, 2022

WLPAA will be in concert and honor community leaders

(Louisville, KY) The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA) will host its 33^rd Hope Awards Dinner Concert at6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 12^th at the Galt House Hotel, 140 North Fourth Street in the Grand Ballroom.

This year’s McDaniel Bluitt Hope Award recipient and keynote speaker will be Dr. Teresa Reed, Dean for the School of Music at the University of Louisville.

Additional awards will be presented during the program to recognizes community leaders who support WLPAA.

McDaniel Bluitt, Executive Director says “We are really excited to be in-person this year. It is so important to keep our youth motivated. This awards dinner gives them a chance to highlight their talent in front of a room full of people who are there to support them. We were one of very few organizations that were able to keep our youth engaged during the pandemic with the generous support of sponsors as we continued to meet and help our youth during such a challenging time. We cannot wait to dress up and have them share what they have been working on for the last two years. We hope you come out and support us”

Tickets are $100.00 for adults and $50.00 for students. Tickets are available on Eventbrite and/or by contacting WLPAA by email at wlbc_wlgc@yahoo.com.

We would like to thank our supporters over the 33 years and this year’s donors; LG&E, PNC Bank, Gheen’s Foundation, Direct Relief, and the Fund for the Arts.

To arrange an interview with McDaniel Bluitt, founder of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy, contact: info@vippcommunications.com or http://www.westlouisvilleperformjngarts.org.

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History

West Louisville Boys Choir began in November 1990. The choir is directed by McDaniel Bluitt, a retired vocal music teacher with twenty-nine (29) years of experience. He received his B. M. ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music and a Masters in Counseling from Western Kentucky University. The Boys Choir has performed throughout the commonwealth, for mayors, governors’ other national dignitaries. The Boys Choir’s first European Tour established international prominence in Paris, France and London, England. They received a superior rating during their first international music competition in the Bahamas. They were also awarded first place in the Music Festival at Sea.

The West Louisville Girls Choir made its debut in November 2002. The choir is directed by Mrs. Mamie Bluitt who received her B.M.ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music. The Girls Choir is also a performing choir. Some of its more notable performances are Governor Patton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Frankfort, Kentucky, ECHO, Women for Women Conference and at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Their first Southwestern Tour to Texas was held in 2010.

August 24, 2020August 24, 2020

THE HEART AND “SOUL” OF THE URBAN COMMUNITY CHANGES MUSIC FORMAT AS IT CONTINUES TO USE ITS VOICE AS A PLATFORM FOR CHANGE

(Louisville, KY) On Friday, August 7, 2020 at 10:47 am the sound of 1350AM WLOU & 104.7FM returned to its original format of soul music.

With the new stereo sound, you will see a new logo and station tagline, but the roots of the station remain intact but with a broader appeal from news and information but filling a void in the community when it comes to soul music. The format will give listeners an opportunity to go back down memory lane with music from Earth, Wind & Fire, O’Jays, Stylistics, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Sade, Isley Brothers, Anita Baker plus many more.

“The Original Soul of Louisville” adds Archie Dale as the General Manager and Mark Gunn as Program Director and Afternoon Drive On-Air Personality to the already dynamic team of Krystal “Miss Krystal” Goodner in the Morning Drive and others to be announced.

With 70 years on the airwaves, WLOU is one of the oldest urban stations in the U.S. So, when it was acquired by David B. Smith Sr., long time radio personality, program director and co-owner of Kentuckiana Broadcast Group he wanted to make sure its rich history was celebrated but also be a voice for African Americans. Gunn says “We’re reaching the underserved adult Black demographic by going a lot deeper musically than the other Gold based stations in the market. In addition to REAL Soul Music, WLOU continues to deal with the soul of Louisville by directly addressing social issues we are facing today and to be an information hub to our listeners not only on the air, in the community but on our social platforms.

Smith’s love for radio has been a constant especially in Louisville and Southern Indiana so when he heard that the station maybe acquired from someone outside the region he says “Passing up the opportunity to purchase such a legendary station was not an option. The possibility of WLOU being owned by anyone not from here just wouldn’t be right”. “I’m honored to walk in the footsteps of former owner The Reverend Dr. William E. Summers III”.

With more than 30 years in the radio industry, Smith says they are not deleting the Gospel programming but moving it to our sister station, AM 1240, WLLV.

For additional information, contact VP/GM WLOU/WLLV Archie Dale at 502.776.1240

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HISTORY

On October 21st, 1951, AM 1350, WLOU hit the airwaves as the Soul Of Louisville to become one of the first five full-time R&B stations in the country and over time, one of the top – rated stations in the nation.

The tradition of excellence and service to the Black Community was brought to the forefront by legendary on–air personalities like “Super Neal” O’Ray, Brenda “20th Century Fox” Banks, Bill Price and Tony Fields to name a few with The Reverend Doctor William E. Summers III leading the charge.

Tag: music