MMPA Pre-GRAMMY Celebration Honoring Eric Zuley Benefiting American Society of Young Musicians

Over 300 guests, celebrities, executives, supporters, friends, and media outlet representatives attended the Multicultural Motion Picture Association (MMPA) Hollywood Pre-GRAMMY Celebration Honoring Eric Zuley Benefiting American Society of Young Musicians.

This was held at the Celebrity Center on Thursday, February 10, 2011 in Hollywood, CA from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The event was hosted by comedian Johnny V.


“I feel a sense of accomplishment for all my hard work. I feel very humbled. I feel very blessed and thankful that the MMPA and the City and County of LA would think to acknowledge my hard work. I am very thankful to my fans and friends that showed up to support me. I was very amazed and humbled when I saw the support that came that night.” said Eric Zuley AKA EZ, Entrepreneur and Media Mogul.


He continued, “I would like to thank Jarvee Hutcherson, my father James Zuley, my good friends Chris Donovan, Doug Jones, Said Faraj, Camden Toy, Brian Krause, Kim Lee, Lil Jordan, Pamela Bach Hasselhoff, and Johnny V. I would like to thank my team, Derrick Hutchinson for handling all the fashion stuff, Dona the owner of Rouge Clothing, and my PR person Betrice Coleman Sweet for helping pull everything together. I would like to thank my sponsors, Tutto Italy Connections, Frank Rubio Jewelry, Elite Auto Network for providing me with the car I came in, the suit I wore and the jewelry I wore. Oh, and all my friends and supporters!”

Some of the celebrities and personalities that attended the event were Doug Jones (Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Pans Labyrinth), James Zuley (Eric’s dad), Pamela Bach Hasselhoff (Baywatch), Kate Linder (The Young and the Restless) Andrew Garcia (American Idol), Charm Britton (VH1), Ser’Darius Blaine (Footloose), JD Charisma (Actor,Artist), Dave Shelton(Writer, director), Bill Zucker (Writer, Director), Camden Toy (Actor, Producer), Said Faraj (Green Zone), Lil Zane (Hip Hop Artist), Odain Watson(Artist), Ranella (Artist), Brian Krause (Actor), Kim Lee (International Model, Actress), J Myles (celebrity Stylist), Phoebe Price, Lil Jordan, Ben Morrison, Prince Ali, Al Walser, Chris Donovan (Director of Golden Globe Awards), Lil Mirkk (Actor/Rapper), David Harrison Levi (Philanthropist/Personality), Dick Michaels(ASYM Chairman), Ryan Torres(Avenue Entertainment), Parris Harris and many more.


“I think it was an extraordinary turnout with some extraordinary stars for an extraordinary man” said Betrice Coleman-Sweet, Publicist. The event featured live performances from upcoming pop group Misha Rose, hip hop artist Lil Jordan, pop artist Destenee and R&B artist Rele.


Eric Zuley concluded by thanking all the media that covered his event. “All the media that showed up and supported me, most of which are personal friends thank you so much! Thank you Diversity News Magazine & Diversity News TV (Steven Escobar) long time friend, all the performers, Destenee Mckenzie, Rele Songs, Lil Jordan and others.”


There was also a fashion show coordinated by Derrick Hutchinson of Annerick Management models showcasing Rouge Clothing by Donna Melikian/Bebe, Rings designed by Frank G. Rubio from Sophisticated Stones and custom Tuxedos by Max Simonian from Tutto Italy Connections.


“Eric is a great friend has been for the past year and a half and deserved his recognition. Thanks to Diversity News, The World Monitor TV, Johhny V, Devon Guzzie, Ryan Torres, Beatrice who treated me very well from finish to start, The Actors Reporter, Doug Jones, Frank Rubio of Sophisicated Stones All The Fashion designers, All the media, and it was a great night, very well arranged. I wish I could repeat that night.” said Actor/Rapper Lil Mirkk.

Eric Zuley received a distinguished Achievement Award from The MMPA for his charitable contributions to the entertainment industry. He was also awarded a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Los Angeles County District 2 Supervisor, Mark Ridley-Thomas.

Other award recipients were Max Simonian of Tutto Italy Connections, Frank G. Rubio Jewelry Designer and The Celebrity Center. Per event organizers, they accomplished their goal of raising some money to benefit the American Society of Young Musicians.

Some of the media and photographers that covered the event were Actors Reporter (Pepper Jay & Mary Jo Gruber) , Diversity News Magazine, Diversity News TV, PR Photos photographer Allen Allen Berezovsky, Wireimage Photographer Maury Phillips, Hollywood Broker TV, NTDTV, World Monitor TV, Rock Thiz Magazine, Nelson Photo and Five Minute Photo (Travis Jourdain).

The major sponsors of the event were Bebe/Rouge Clothing, Tutto Italy Connections, Frank Rubio, Elite Auto Network, Yerevan Magazine, WTV NETWORKS and TheEZShow.com. The event producers were Jarvee Hutcherson, Eric Zuley and Derrick Hutcherson. After the event concluded, over 150 people went to celebrate with Eric Zuley at My House in Hollywood, CA.

For more information about American Society of Young Musicians (ASYM) visit http://www.asymusicians.org

Photos Courtesy and © 2011 By Allen Berezovsky, from PRPhotos.com & Star Pics Today, Nelson Shen Photos & Travis Jourdain.

Editor’s Note: Story was proofread by Linda Krongold, our New York, NY Special Correspondent For Diversity News. For more information you can contact her at andmeljar@aol.com Also please leave us your comments and questions about our coverage an the event.

Shine On 2 Hollywood Music Showcase; The Hottest Event Of The Summer, Benefits Hope 4 Children

The hot heat did not stop people from coming to the hottest event of the summer, “Shine On 2.”

Shine On 2 Hollywood: A Music Showcase;”Artists Meet The Industry” Benefiting Hope 4 Children was held on July 15, 2010 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Celebrity Center in Hollywood, CA.

“Arnold G is extremely passionate about his business and, seems quite sincere in helping seasoned talent reach new heights in their careers! The powerful cast of music and film industry professionals assembled for SHINE ON 2 will certainly help set the stage for some powerful breakthrough moments!” said Pixie Monroe, Casting Director Film and Television.

The guests started to arrive 2 hours before the show and lined up to check in and get escorted to the seating area. Media/press and photographers arrived at the same time, they signed in, got their media badges, and were escorted to their assigned areas to start taking photos of the VIP’s, artists, panelists and event production team.

“I have tremendous respect for Shine On Host, Gary Spears: As a host, performer, radio personality and long-time friend. Gary’s been a dedicated friend and has served as the co-host on one of my passion projects, a radio podcast entitled; “Casting Hope” for the past several years. He’s also been cast in numerous film and television projects since leaving mainstream radio and definitely always displays a high level of energy, humor and professionalism in his works”. Ms. Monroe concluded.
Arnold G’s dancers opened the show, then host Gary Spears welcomed everyone to the event before he introduced the panelists. He showed Arnold G’s Shine On 2 message video, then he introduced the industry panelists Alex Cortez (AYRE Entertainment, Warner Brothers), Kevin McDowell (AEG & AEG Live), Allan Rich (Academy awardee, Grammy/Golden Globe nominee, music writer), Tony Sweet (radio personality at On Air With Tony Sweet, LA Talk Radio), Michael Kelly (record producer, Universal Music), Javelyn Jav (music producer, X-It Rite Records), Robby Martinez (musician, conductor, composer and performer), Asha Puthli (legendary Jazz & Soul singer & former recording artist for record labels EMI, CBS, Sony and RCA) and Arnold G (Recording artist, founder of Shine On, Bring It On, A&G Records & A&G Entertainment Productions). “I loved the event. It was two times better than Shine On 1 and if you always have an event like that one, it will be one of the best showcases ever. I was never bored. All the acts were great.” said Buddy Sampson, Publisher, The Scoop LA Newspaper.  He continue “Gary Spears was excellent! He added a professional dimension to the show, like Dick Clark. Bring him back. Shine On 2 It was awesome.” The first artists introduced by host Gary Spears to Shine On in front of the panelists were Kasey Iaeger who sang (Givin’ Up On You and Can’t Give Into This), and then Zedakiah Koterba who sang (Eye Of The Tiger and You’ve Get A Friend). Brooke Williams sang (I’m Back and Turns My Mind), American boy Justin Chase performed and sang (Fireplace, Finally and Don’t Give Up), and Sail by the Stars who came from Florida sang (I Wish I May, Icebergs Are For Penguins and If My Room Were a Rocketship). “I had an amazing time hosting Shine On 2. It was my first time hosting since leaving radio 3 years ago, so I had to wear diapers! LOL=laugh out loud. Seriously, this is a wonderful grass roots event that has legs so look for more in the future!” said Radio Personality, host & actor.  He added “If given the opportunity, I would host a garage sale but yes to Shine On 3! And Bring It On!” An intermission of 10 minutes was held and then Shine On 2 host Gary Spears welcomed everyone back and introduced the only Asian American to perform, Michael Walker, who sang (Cooler Than Me and We Can Do It). American Dreamz The Movie actress and singer Jael Gadsden took the stage and she sang (Drink the Water and All I need). Jarid Williams performed and sang the song requested by his fans(Can We Talk, Birthday song for the mother of one of his fans, and For All We Know); Latonius Earl returned by popular demand and he sang (Mya Song and So High); George Hodos sang (This is Love and Just A Man), and the last artist who blew the stage with her choreography and dancers was KingQueen who sang (U Make Me (LOL) and Man’s World. After each artist performed, host Gary Spears asked them some questions about their music. “I Loved the stage, loved the lightning. Everything went smooth and fast. Everyone that I met that worked on “the set” was very professional and knew what every ones name was, which means they took their time to know who is playing their venue. Also liked the fact that there was constant communication going on almost every day before the actual gig which took away a lot of stress.” said KingQueen, artist. She added “I liked every venue I have performed at. People have always been very humble to me so I don’t have a favorite place because I love every venue I play since it’s my life, it’s what I love. But my two favorites were Avalon and the one at the Celebrity Centre with Shine On 2, mostly because of the size of the stage and the sound system!” She continue “Absolutely, I saw artists I would have never seen before if it wasn’t for Shine On 2, which made me realize I have to step up even more because there is some great talent out there. And in the end of the day, watching other artists as a artist is to enjoy, watch, learn and go to improve yourself.” “The losers get fed to the crocodiles! I like to think of a host as one who is more background that forefront….remember it’s all about the talent! I’d like to see the one who gets the best score be given his/her/their concert at a local venue with industry types invited. These kids work their butts off and deserve to be heard!” concluded Mr. Spears. Per A&G Entertainment Productions, the event was sold out and there were more than 400 guests that came to support their favorite artist. Gary Spears introduced The Dance Diva that closed the show and this was Cynthia Manley. With her electric energy she performed her new single “Give” and she brought on stage all the artists including event executive producer Arnold G and non profit organization Hope 4 Children beneficiary Grace Walker. Host Gary Spears again thanked the panelists and mentioned that the Shine On 2 score sheet will be available in one week. He went ahead and thanked event supporters, Gabriel Escamilla (fashion designer) & Parris Harris (stage manager and fashion coordinator). He also thanked the venue Celebrity Center and Hope 4 Children founder Grace Walker. “It’s worthy showcase because you as a artist want to (should want to) perform everywhere from a small bar to a huge charity event.. If this is what you love then of course it’s worth there. A showcase reaches out to people that normally wouldn’t go to a club to see you perform because it’s too late, or not their thing. It’s a great way to expand your fan base.” Concluded KingQueen. Some of the talent and VIPs that attended the event were Vairon Perez, Janet Luna, Coreen Troche, Beatriz Vasquez, Ryan Ray, Alex Varden, David Harrison Levi, Dr. John Carvalho, Emily Morrow, Salvador Corona, Patrice Ryan, Monet Lu, Tom Emberson, Maria Amor, Nikki Gill, Pixie Monroe, Robin Sargent, Sonny Madera, Irene Soderberg, Dan Norris, Marco Tricca, Yari Paris, Tina Nguyen, Joseph Quinto and Stella Gomez. “I love performing I’m very comfortable doing it! I had an absolute great time performing amongst so many talented artists.” said Latonius J. Earl, Artists.  He continue “The quality of performers definitely changed for the better. Everyone was on top of their game. As far as doing anything different, Nothing, except changed my outfit. I just ask God for direction and I go with the flow.” About Shine On: This is a unique grassroots music showcase, that is not your typical venue. It is specifically designed for the unsigned indie artist, band and musician with two stages where the best local unsigned indie artists are able to showcase their talents in the Hip Hop, R&B, Urban, Rock and Dance categories, in front of conference attendees and a panel of music industry experts to gain maximum exposure at a minimal cost. For more information visit http://www.agentertainmentproductions.com “I actually believe this event changed my life. I went in with the mindset that things will be different after this and surely when it was all over I noticed that Latonius as a person/ entertainer was different. I’ll never be the same. Shine On is definitely Worthy!” Mr. Earl concluded. The media and photographers that covered the event were Wake Up TV, Diversity News TV, The Scoop LA Newspaper, Diversity News Magazine, Examiner.com, Stickam TV, Celebrity Service, Asian Journal, Gimmick City, Glendale News Press (Los Angeles Times), Philippines Times, The Photographer 007, Daniela Hubbard Photography, Jeff Knight Photography, Hope 4 Children and Artisfactions. Story was proofread by Linda Krongold, our New York, NY Special Correspondent For Diversity News. For more information you can contact her at andmeljar@aol.com

Photos courtesy of Bernard Hindson, The Photographer 007, Daniela Hubbard from http://www.Danielahubbard.com,  Jeff Knight of JeffKnightphotography.com & Tracy Saunders of
www.Artisfactions.com for Diversity News Publications.  For photos lincension please email: diversitynews@diversitynewspublications.com  (C) 2010 Diversity News Publications. All Rights Are Reserved.