The VIPP Report: Celebrating the “Rebirth” of the Russell Renaissance

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SliceA KENTUCKY DERBY EVENT THAT GIVES GUESTS A LITTLE SLICE-SPICE, STYLE & SOUL

(Louisville, KY) One of the most anticipated community events held in West Louisville as part of the Kentucky Derby festivities. In an exciting new community development partnership, The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, (KCAAH) and The Slice Charities of Louisville, Inc., will host TheSlice@KCAAH, West Louisville’s official Kentucky Derby Festival Event.

It’s TheSlice-Spice, Style & Soul this Saturday, April 30, 2016. The event will begin at 6:00 pm in the Brown Forman Great Hall on the campus of the KCAAH located at 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. TheSlice@KCAAH runs until 9:00PM, and this year’s theme is “A Salute to the Russell Renaissance”. Our Honorary Chair is Barbara Sexton Smith, former Chief Executive Officer at Fund for the Arts.

The Historic Russell neighborhood will come alive with hundreds of people wearing beautiful bright colored dresses and some of the biggest hats you will see symbolizing that the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby is exactly one week away.

From our humble beginnings some 13 years ago with a couple of chefs making an unbelievable spread that had guests asking for more in April of 2002. Now fast-forward to 2016, the festival welcomes dozens of chefs, caterers and bakers with fantastic food and great live entertainment and wine tastings to welcome in the Derby season and tons of fellowship from old friends and you can meet a few new ones along the way.

TheSlice@KCAAH not only helps Derby fans get in a festive mood but the evening serves as a fundraiser. The net proceeds from the annual event provides support to social service and educational organizations throughout West Louisville and Portland.

If you would like to purchase a ticket for TheSlice-Spice, Style & Soul they can be purchased for $65.00 in advance-$75.00 day of the event, at Better Days Records in The Lyles Mall, JAM BUSTERS at 4906 Popular Level Road in Newburg, the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, the Kentucky Derby Festival offices in Old Louisville or online http://www.thesliceoflouisville.org.

If you have a story idea, send it to thevippreport at VIPPCommunications dot com.  You can follow us on Twitter @thevippreport @vippcomm.

A Natural from the Start

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The VIPP Report: The Mercury Ballroom welcomes Lupe Fiasco

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Grammy-nominated artist Lupe Fiasco will be in Louisville Tuesday, April 26th.  “The Show Must Go On” artist will perform in the Mercury Ballroom at 8:00 pm.

Fiasco’s career started while raping in junior high school.  Thanks to the support of Jay-Z, was signed as a solo artist to Arista and eventually landed at Atlantic Records.

You can see him live in Louisville tomorrow night and tickets are only $25 at the box office with Student ID OR online with code KICKPUSH.

If you have a story idea, send it to thevippreport@vippcommunications.com.  You can follow us on Twitter @thevippreport @vippcomm.

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The VIPP Report: The Life and Time of Jimmy Winkfield International Horseman

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A Natural from the Start: The Life and Time of Jimmy Winkfield, International Horseman

A Natural from the Start is an exhibition showcasing the rise and fall of African American jockeys in horse racing, primarily the Kentucky Derby. This exhibit explores the early years of horse racing in which African Americans dominated the sport, and how racism and segregation in the early 1900’s contributed to the decline of Black jockeys as they were vulnerable to hostility and injuries from White jockeys and owners at the time.

Did you know that Jimmy Winkfield, (Kentuckian, and Black jockey) was the last African American to date to win the Kentucky Derby? Did you know that Isaac Murphy was the winningest jockey of all time? In addition, was the 1st Jockey to be inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Or did you know that Willie Simms perfected a riding style that became the norm in Europe? This exhibition will feature these three jockeys, and a banner dedicated to other Black jockeys with notable dates and their impact on the sport of horse racing.

Exhibition: April 29, 2016 – January 19, 2017
Saturday, April 30, 2016 Opening During the Slice@KCAAH West Louisville’s only official Derby Festival Event For Ticket Information go to: http://www.thesliceoflouisville.org
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For additional information:
Contact: Ciera Shields, Exhibition & Programming Coordinator
502-583-4100 – ciera@kacch.org

If you have a story idea, send it to thevippreport@vippcommunications.com.  You can follow us on Twitter @thevippreport @vippcomm.  

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The VIPP Report: Celebrities begin to R.S.V.P for 50 Cent Derby Takeover in Louisville

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The Effen Vodka presents 50 Cent Derby Takeover is happy to announce that R & B recording artist producer and VH1’s Love & Hip Hop Hollywood star Ray J will be attending this year’s event. His fiancee’ and co-star on the reality show Princess will also be a guest. Ray J will be giving away the hottest new form of transportation ‘’Scoot-E- Bike’’.   The custom bike was designed for 50 Cent’s Pre-Derby Bash held on Friday, May 6th.

The Oaks Night party is from 11 pm to 6 am at Club Liv Louisville located at 133 W. Liberty Street.

The Grammy Award winning rap artist, actor and entrepreneur also welcomes DJ E-Feezy, The Wolf of South Beach.

Young Buck, DJ Fresh, (Rich Homie Quan’s DJ) and DJ Slikk will be a part of what promoters are calling the “Main Event”.

This dress to impress event will do an Effen Vodka Toast at 3:30 am to bring in Derby weekend and to welcome celebrity guests and visitors into the city. A list of celebrity guest will be released in coming weeks.

There will be a “Taste Room” with some of Louisville’s top chefs. The Seafood Lady will be at the event from 12:30 am to 3:00 am. Instead of rushing to an area restaurant before they close.   Keys2KY and BHen Entertainment have thought of everything. Latricia Soul Food will cook breakfast for guests from 4:00 am to 6:00 am.

This is an event you have to put on your itinerary when you are looking for a great time in the “Ville”. Tickets are available online at Eventbrite or you can stop by Rebellious Kourture, 230 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd; Better Days West, 2600 W. Broadway; JT’s Variety Club, 8021 Preston Hwy; and Exclusive Wear, 630 E. Broadway.

If you would like to reserve a table contact 731-444-2480. Purchase tickets by going to 50centderby.eventbrite.com.

The event was made possible by Effen Vodka, Southern Wine and Spirits, Keys2KY and BHen Entertainment.

You still have time if you would like to be a sponsor by calling 502-614-0429.

To setup an interview and/or request media credentials for 50 Cent’s Derby Takeover contact VIPP Communications at 502-582-7716 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.

If you have a story idea, send it to The VIPP Report, a division of VIPP Communications at thevippreport at vippcommunications dot com.  Follow us on Twitter @thevippreport @vippcomm.

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The VIPP Report: The last venue Prince performed in Louisville releases a statement

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Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL "HitnRun" Tour Opener - Louisville

LOUISVILLE, KY – MARCH 14: (Exclusive Coverage) Prince performs onstage during the “HitnRun” tour opener at The Louisville Palace on March 14, 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images for NPG Records 2015)

Special Report from Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television/ABC Louisville

(Louisville, KY)  Today, Prince Roger Nelson died at the age of 57.  There’s been so many messages sent in regards to the music superstar.

The Louisville Palace was the venue chosen to kickoff the Hit and Run Tour in March 2015.  They sent a statement on his passing:

We are deeply saddened and in shock about the news of the passing of Prince. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.

The Louisville Palace Theater was fortunate enough to host four incredible performances over the course of two days in March 2015. They were truly some of the most memorable concerts this venue has ever hosted. Each show was amazing in their own right, with an energy we have never felt inside our theater. Not only was it an amazing experience for the thousands of fans who attended, but for the entire team on the ground here in Louisville. It was two days that none of us will ever forget. All created by an amazing musician who had the ability create a community of music lovers as one.

Prince will be missed by all.

If you have a story idea, send it to thevippreport@vippcommunications.com.  You can follow us on Twitter @TheVIPPReport @VIPPComm or @Sherlenemediapr.

The VIPP Report: Prince had a giving heart for a historic Louisville library

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Prince Check

Special Report by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television/ABC

I saw several people on my social media pages talking about Prince Rogers Nelson donating money to a Louisville library.  I have spoken with the spokesman with the Louisville Public Library and they confirm that Prince’s charity “Love 4 One Another Charities” donated $12,000 to the Louisville Free Public Library.  It was earmarked for the Western Branch Library.   In 1905, the Western Colored Library opened at 1125 West Chestnut Street, the first free public library in the nation for African-Americans staffed entirely by African-Americans. On October 28, 1908, the newly constructed Carnegie Library opened at its current location. The branch was led by pioneering African-American librarian, Reverend Thomas F. Blue.

I have obtained the check that Prince sent to the charity.

If you have a story idea send it to The411@whas11.com.  You can follow me on Twitter at @Sherlenemediapr and Instagram @Sherlenemediapro for real-time news.

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(Exclusive Coverage) Prince performs onstage during the “HitnRun” tour opener at The Louisville Palace on March 14, 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky.

 

 

 

The VIPP Report: Music icon Prince dies at the age of 57

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(Exclusive Coverage) Prince performs onstage during the “HitnRun” tour opener at The Louisville Palace on March 14, 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Special Report from Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television/ABC Louisville

Just a week ago, there was an emergency landing in Illinois to get music icon Prince to a hospital and today his publicist confirms that the artist had died.  He was found dead at his home in suburban Minneapolis.

I had the opportunity to be invited to his last show to do the review since it was the kickoff of his HITNRUN USA Tour in March of 2015.

Prince Roger Nelson passed away at the age of 57.

If you would like to send a tribute and memory of Prince, send it to The411@whas11.com. You can also follow me on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr for real-time news.

Here’s my review for the March 14-15, 2015 concert review.

The411 with Sherlene Shanklin: Prince kicks off U.S. tour in the town where basketball, horse racing and the “Greatest” of all time is king

“On Selection Sunday the HITNRUN USA Tour was a number one pick for concerts in 2015” Prince and 3RDEYEGIRL performed four shows in two days in Louisville.

This time last week, Prince fans were scrambling to find tickets. When I announced that music legend Prince would be in Louisville to kickoff his U.S. tour, I instantly picked up followers. Prince gave fans an one week notice and the tickets sold out in record time causing Live Nation to add not one but a total of three additional shows over a two day period.

When I got word that I would be attending the last show in Louisville to give a review of the concert, I knew he would leave fans wanting more. Well, I was right.

With it only being March, I have to say Prince with 3RDEYEGIRL with Louisville native Hannah Welton on drums is the best concert of the year. Since the concert was held on Selection Sunday, I would have to use basketball analogy and call it a slam dunk causing real madness in March for music lovers.

The Louisville Palace had 2,600 screaming fans including myself when he took the stage to “Let’s Go Crazy”. That was so appropriate because fans went crazy when the music interlude started. I met some fans waiting for the 11 pm show and they told me if Prince is in a good mood, the show will be taken to another level. Well, he gave that positive sign almost immediately by pulling off his sunglasses and then he flashed his million dollar smile that confirmed to his fans that his jam session was officially underway. Prince even pulled two couples from Louisville on stage and they danced during his performance.

Some dozen songs later, an encore performance was underway and a solo from Welton. Fans stood nearly a hour and a half, screaming, singing along and taking you back in time because yes Prince did sing some of his biggest hits that made him a legend. The production and timing of his show was seamless. Vibrant colors transitioning the change of a song. Prince used the whole stage from standing right in front of the stage with his “symbol” microphone stand to the side of the stage where his keyboard was positioned.

The intimate venue made you feel like you were in a private show. I need to warn you that security has eyes on you and your electronic devices. They walked up and down each aisle. If security catches you, they would flash you with a light and someone would come and escort you out of the venue.

Prince addressed fans about 80 minutes into the show, Prince said “I like this place”. He also told the audience that Louisville had two things, Muhammad Ali and Hannah Welton and fans showed their love with a loud applause. Welton went into a serious jam session for her hometown crowd. Prince, members of 3RDEYEGIRL, backup singers and the keyboard player all left the stage to give Hannah her moment. Once she finished giving fans an unbelievable performance Prince returned to the staged to thank everyone for attending.

As they exited the stage Hannah threw up a heart sign to fans as she left.

I would say they left to a standing ovation but you really need to sit for that to happen. Fans NEVER sat down during the entire show.

This one of the most diverse concerts I have ever attended. From every race to a 12 year old getting to attend his very first concert as a birthday gift from his mother. The Hit and Run Tour is a home run for fans because Prince is hitting a grand slam with this tour.

If you have a story idea, send it to The411@whas11.com. You can also follow me on Twitter at @Sherlenemediapr for real-time news, entertainment and sports.

Note from Shanklin’s social media page: I had to stop and take a deep breath when I got the news of Prince’s death. I had to be absolutely sure before I said anything. As a member of the media my announcement of his HitnRun tour took The411 to another level. When his team invited me to his show to do a review of the show that was BIG for me. So, when other artist turn me down for opportunities I just say oh well because the BEST gave me a chance. ‪#‎RIH‬ ‪#‎musicicon‬ ‪#‎Sherlene‬‘sStory

Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL "HitnRun" Tour Opener - Louisville

LOUISVILLE, KY – MARCH 14: (Exclusive Coverage) Prince performs onstage during the “HitnRun” tour opener at The Louisville Palace on March 14, 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images for NPG Records 2015)

 

The VIPP Report: R. Prophet presents the KY Derby Front Runner Celebration

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(Louisville, KY)  Once history is made on the track at Churchill Downs and the winner of the 142nd KY Derby received their garland of roses and takes a victory lap.  The celebration is just beginning.  Go back to your hotel, take a nap and be ready to party. Grammy-nominated artist R. Prophet presents the KY Derby Front Runner Celebration at Hard Rock at Fourth Street Live.  The party is from 10:00 pm to 2:30 am.  General is $25 per person and if you want to do it VIP style it will cost you just a little more at $50.  Donations will also be accepted for a prostate cancer research, a cause close to the multi-platinum artist heart.

Throughout the evening DJ Boom and DJ Tez will provide the music. There will be live entertainment including a performance by Prophet (formally of Nappy Roots).  He will perform live his two new singles “Twerk Contest” and “A Star” off his upcoming album The Voice!  Some of his friends while in Louisville will make an appearance so you don’t want to miss that!  Special invited celebrity guests will be announced in the coming days.

There’s potential opportunities for artists to showcase their talent.  For details call 502-582-7716.

Prophet says “I want to give guests visiting Louisville something new and fun to do while visiting our city.  Come out dress to impress and let’s toast to another great Derby and great music all in one place.  I wanted the location to be central so that it would be in walking distance for many guests and a short drive for those around the city. You need to stop by, you never know who will be there.”

If you would like to setup an interview with R. Prophet, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.

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The VIPP Report: Where in the world is Katt Williams? No show tonight in Louisville, KY

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Katt_Louisville_620x385-2c556876bcNone of these guys showed up tonight in Louisville, Ky.  Katt Williams is a no show!

By Sherlene Shanklin

Saturday, April 16, 2016

(Louisville, KY)  Loyal fans of the comedian/actor Katt Williams waited for hours in Louisville, KY at the KFC Yum! Center just to find out that he would not be doing his show.  Fans had hoped that “The Conspiracy Theory” tour would give them a little laughter on Saturday night but instead thousands of fans sat and waited patiently for Williams to take the stage which never happened.

Louisville had a lot of events going on tonight from Zeta Phi Beta conference with celebrity member Sheryl Underwood as a guest, Phi Beta Sigma conference, Motown the Musical and the University of Louisville Red-White football game as well as other events.  So, many guests to the city had decided to make Williams’ show apart of their visit.

Here’s the message the KFC Yum! Center sent in regards to Katt Williams’ show: 

“Due to circumstances beyond the KFC Yum! Center’s control, Katt Williams will be unable to perform at tonight’s KFC Yum! Center show as originally scheduled.  All guests may request a refund at the original point of purchase.”

If you have a story idea, send it to the TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com You can follow us on Twitter @thevippreport @vippcomm.

 

 

The VIPP Report: Jack Honey’s Art, Beats & Lyrics comes to Louisville

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ABLDerby2016

WHAT:   Art, Beats and Lyrics, the traveling art and music tour presented by Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, is coming to Louisville. What began as a small art show in Atlanta, has grown to be one of the world’s largest tours of its kind. In its 11th year, the multi-city tour showcases some of today’s best upcoming artists, along with seasoned veterans in art and music under one roof.

Visual masterpieces will be on display from featured artists Dubelyoo, Kazilla and Diana Contreras, among many other notable names recognized globally. The event will also include appearances from national hip-hop artist Twista along with Rich Medina, DJ Wally Sparks, DJ Larmarrous and DJ Hi-Definition. Previous featured acts have included Kendrick Lamar, 8Ball and MJG, Pastor Troy and Master P. Additional details are available at www.JackHoneyABL.com.

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WHO:                          Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey Art, Beats & Lyrics

WHEN:                        Saturday, May 7th  2016     8 p.m.

WHERE:                      The Icehouse 226 E Washington St.

MEDIA CONTACT:   VIPP Communications     Sshanklin@vippcommunications.com

MEDIA                        Visual artists, Dubelyoo, Kazilla and Diana Contreras are available for                                               media interviews upon request.

DETAILS:                   Be Fly. Drink Responsibly.  Visit us at wwwJackHoneyABL.com

JACK DANIEL’S TENNESSEE HONEY is a trademark of JACK DANIEL PROPERTIES INC. ©2015. Jack Daniel’s.  Whiskey Specialty, 35% ALC./VOL.(70 proof). Produced and Bottled by JACK DANIEL DISTILLERY, Lynchburg, TENNESSEE, U.S.A.

 

 

The VIPP Report: Unbreakable Tour Update

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Special report from Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television, ABC Louisville 

I have new information in regards to Janet Jackson’s Unbreakable Tour.  According to Jackson’s team and Live Nation the tour will resume in 2017.  There’s no specific date at this time but 2017 is the target date.  That also includes the KFC Yum Center show originally scheduled for June 8th.

New dates will be announced at a later time and I’m being told that tickets will be honored for the re-scheduled dates.  If you do not wish to attend the 2017 date refunds are available at the point of purchase.

If you have a story idea, send it to me at The411@whas11.com.  You can follow me on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr and Instagram @Sherlenemediapro for real-time news.

Link to the original story:  http://www.whas11.com/entertainment/music/janet-jackson-will-resume-unbreakable-tour-in-2017/126473277

The VIPP Report: thevippreport@vippcommunications.com/ Twitter @thevippreport @vippcomm

 

The VIPP Report: Muhammad Ali’s childhood home broken into before the first tour even takes place

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The surveillance camera at the childhood home of Muhammad Ali in Louisville, KY captures this person entering the home and stealing the air conditioner.

Special report from Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television ABC, Louisville

The childhood home of Louisville native Muhammad Ali is near completion but now its missing an air conditioner unit thanks to a theft.  The home on Grand Ave in West Louisville was renovated to resemble of the home in which the Clay family lived in prior to Ali’s successful boxing career and humanitarian efforts throughout the world.

The owners of the Muhammad Ali Home Museum tell me that they are offering a $500 reward and released some photos and video of the theft.

If you have any information you are asked to call 574-LMPD.

The home is scheduled for public tours in May 2016.

If you have a Muhammad Ali story and/or photos you would lie to share send it to sshanklin@whas11.com.  You can also follow me on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr and Instagram @Sherlenemediapro for real-time news.

Here’s the link to the WHAS11 news story:  http://www.whas11.com/news/local/someone-breaks-in-the-childhood-home-of-muhammad-ali/123330505
If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  You can follow us on Twitter @thevippreport @vippcomm.  

Ali's childhoodhome

This is the childhood home of Muhammad Ali in Louisville, KY in its original state prior to the major renovation. Courtesy: Sherlene Shanklin