The VIPP Report: Avonti Garrett will honor her husband Static Major by hosting a Rip the Runway event in Louisville

Posted on by

StephenGarrettcourtesyAGarrett

Special by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television

The411 with Sherlene Shanklin:  The untimely death of Stephen Garrett on February 25, 2008 shocked music fans, his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky and especially his family and close friends.  Many of you may not recognize the name Stephen Garrett but many called him “Static/Major”.   The Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, producer and member of the R & B trio Playa has an extensive catalog that he leaves behind as his legacy. From songs like “Cheers 2 U”, Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop”, Drake’s “Look What You’ve Done”, and Ginuwine’s “Pony”.

With all of the music in his life you would think that was the most important thing but it was something that helped keep him grounded.  Garrett was a family man and it was important to the music legend.  To continue and honor his legacy, his wife Avonti Garrett and their children want you to come out and celebrate his life.  Avonti has started a foundation called “To Save A Life Foundation”.  I’ve been in communication with Avonti and I will let her explain what the foundation plans to do this weekend.

She says “My foundation is called To Save A Life in honor of Stephen Static/Major Garrett. As you know, Stephen was killed in the Hospital in 2008, and I decided that I was going to turn my pain into my passion! This year will be our 2nd ANNUAL RIP THA RUNWAY SHOW, in which we will be paying Tribute to the Late AALIYAH! 100% of the Proceeds of this fundraiser event will go back towards the foundation, for scholarships and tutoring! Also, we will be honoring Mothers, for MOTHERS DAY! This is an All White Affair and Cocktail event!”

Rip the Runway Mothers Day Gift 2015 will be Sunday, May 10th at the Kentucky Center for the Arts on West Main in downtown Louisville.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m.  Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. You can purchase tickets at Major Styles,1160 West Indian Trail or by calling 502-767-9459. The 501C(3) non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing inner city youth in their pursuit of education and musical endeavors.

Nashota Modelz and Major Styles Salon will be the special host.  Some of the designers participating will be the Black Designers on tour, Dauphine of France Couture and many more that will participate on Sunday.  This all white attire fashion show and cocktail event will have a special tribute to the late Aaliyah that you don’t want to miss.

Static/Major was the lead songwriter for the late R&B singer Aaliyah. His songwriting collaborations with her include: “Are You That Somebody?”, which was featured in the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack, and the Romeo Must Die soundtrack singles “Come Back in One Piece” and her first and only number-one Billboard Hot 100 single “Try Again”. The songs “More than a Woman,” “We Need a Resolution,” “Rock the Boat”, “Loose Rap”, “Extra Smooth”, “I Refuse”, “Read Between the Lines”, “Those Were The Days,” and “Never No More” were all featured on her third and final studio album Aaliyah. Static Major earned Aaliyah four top 25 Billboard Hot 100 singles during his time working with the late R&B star.

If you have a story idea and/or if you would like for me to cover your event, send the information to me at The411@whas11.com.  You can follow me on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr for real-time entertainment, community, sports and breaking news.

***Sherlene Shanklin is the founder and head writer for The VIPP Report.  You can also send ideas to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  Follow the blog on Twitter @VIPPComm.  

Link to the story:     http://www.whas11.com/story/entertainment/2015/05/06/the411-with-sherlene-shanklin-wife-of-the-late-static-major-will-rip-the-runway-for-a-great-cause/70920200/

 

 

The VIPP Report: Pre-Derby Event Introduces The Community To The Art of “Sippin Tea”

Posted on by

sippin_large

IT’S A NEW LIFESTYLE FOR PROFESSIONALS

What’s the first thing you think about when the words “Sippin Tea” are brought up in a conversation?  There are so many things that probably come to mind and most likely all of them are correct.

The Sippin Tea Company presents “Sippin Tea in Seersucker” on Thursday, April 16th from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at 8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen at 350 W. Chestnut Street, part of Clay Commons in the South 4th Street district.

Come join the “Sippin Tea” team for an upscale casual event on the rooftop of 8UP overlooking the downtown Louisville as the city prepares for Thunder Over Louisville.  The pre-Derby event is the kickoff of two weeks of activities.

Guests will get to enjoy Sippin Southern Cocktails from Jefferson’s Bourbon & Midnight Moon with Sean Thibodeaux and sampling appetizers by Jacob Coronado.

Sippin Tea is a branded lifestyle focusing on the spirits, traditions, and apparel of Sophisticated Southern living. Our mission is to provide Lifestyle Events highlighted with a branded line of apparel and accessories that accentuate our Southern Heritage/Pride, but create a lifestyle that transcends demographic location.

The professional but casual setting will attract business leaders looking for new networking opportunities while enjoying the evening an intimate crowd atmosphere.

Bring plenty of business cards and wear your best seersucker because you will be eligible to win a Sippin Tea Gift basket.

We would like to thank the following sponsors for their support: Retirement Management Services, LLC, Empower Retirement and Mass Mutual 401k.

To learn more about the Sippin Tea Company go to www.sippinteacompany.com.  Follow us on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/sippinT and on Twitter @SippinTea1 to receive updates and win merchandise and tickets to events throughout Louisville.  To learn more about the venue go to www.8uplouisville.com.

The VIPP Report: Birdgang Brand adds another feather to their cap

Posted on by

believe-bighead-RED-FRONT-380x452

A THREE YEAR MARKETING PARTNERSHIP IS INKED WITH LOUISVILLE SPORTS PROPERTIES

Immediate Release

(Louisville, KY) Locally owned Birdgang Brand Clothing has reached a 3 year deal with Louisville Sports Properties, a division of Learfield Sports. The multi-year deal allows Birdgang to market their products at some of The University of Louisville’s biggest venues, such as the KFC Yum! Center, Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium and Jim Patterson Stadium, and creates an opportunity for the brand to increase visibility and brand awareness. Specifics of the partnership include advertising in the University of Louisville football and men’s basketball gameday program, baseball inning sponsorship, scoreboard marketing and tabling opportunities.

The Birdgang Brand team is focused on bringing urban fashion to the sports apparel arena, and the relationship with Louisville Sports Properties allows them direct access to Louisville fans. The clothing line is founded by two members of the rap group Nappy Roots, Brian “Buffalo Stille” Scott and Ronald “Ron Clutch” Wilson. Scott is the founder and Wilson serves as the co-founder of the brand. Scott says “Birdgang is a culture, not a company. The Cardinals fans who represent their beloved team deserve a better quality shirt. We don’t want to just be successful; our goal is to make history, and this deal puts us well on our way!”

“We are excited and optimistic by this partnership with Birdgang Brand Clothing,” said Louisville Sports Properties General Manager John Penny. “The Birdgang Brand brings a unique partner and product to the fans of Louisville Athletics and we are confident this relationship will only enhance the demand for Birdgang Brand apparel.

Birdgang will have a table full if prizes and giveaways for the upcoming U of L vs. UK baseball game at Jim Patterson stadium Wednesday April 8th.

 ###

Birdgang Brand Clothing is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky and is a high fashion sports apparel company centered around the University of Louisville Athletics. Birdgang Brand Clothing is supported and approved by the University of Louisville, and is officially licensed by the Collegiate Licensing Company, (CLC). Birdgang Brand Clothing can be found at JD Becker, Fan Outfitters and/or Cardinal Authentic.. To learn more about the Birdgang Brand and find vendor information, visit www.wearebirdgang.com.

Louisville Sports Properties is one of nearly 100 collegiate properties managed by Learfield Sports. Learfield’s rich history includes four decades of developing trusted, long-term relationships with some of the most revered institutions and associations in the world of college sports. The company has prominence in all of the major conferences and titles the prestigious Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup. Learfield represents collegiate institutions, conferences and arenas for their respective multimedia rights and sponsorship initiatives, and offers these partners with professional concessions and ticket sales, licensing and trademark consulting and digital platform expertise through its owned companies. To learn more about its history, businesses and job opportunities, please visit www.learfieldsports.com.

 

The VIPP Report: Enrollment underway for 2015 Miss Kentucky and Ohio Plus America Pageant

Posted on by

64567_520938537937032_1504554371_n

(Louisville, KY) The Fifth Annual Miss Kentucky and Ohio Plus America Pageant is just a few weeks away and it’s YOUR time to shine. The pageant will be held May 22-May 23 at the Cincinnati Airport Hilton Hotel. On Friday May 22 at 7:00 p.m. there will be a men’s fashion show and talent competition. The pageant and women’s fashion show will be Saturday, May 23rd at 7:00 p.m.

The Miss Plus America Pageant system is designed to showcase plus-size women who display confidence through their leadership skills within their community, beauty, and trendsetter. They have exterior beauty and amazing inner beauty.

Cynthia Elliott, Director for Miss Kentucky and Ohio River Valley Plus America says, “This year’s pageant is a benefit pageant which will benefit at-risk children. We are especially interested in helping pre-teen and teenage girls who have been teased, bullied or experienced depression because of their weight. We want them to join us and volunteer and be a part of this event so they can be mentored by women who have been through what they have been through and are now confident in who they are.” The women in the pageant will also have the opportunity to promote other charities such as the Cancer Society, Race for the cure, Domestic violence, Kidney foundation and other worthy causes.

To kick off the event, on Sunday, March 22 at the Cincinnati Airport Hilton 7373 Turfway Rd, Florence KY, there will be a Boot Camp from 1:00 – 4:00 PM, a Model casting call at 10: AM -12:00 PM and Singing auditions   from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM.

To setup an interview, contact Sherlene Shanklin, VIPP Communications at 502-295-0435. If you are considering becoming a contestant for the pageant(s) please call Cynthia Elliott at 859-221-8010 or by email at kyplusamerica@hotmail.com, visit the Miss Kentucky Plus America or Ohio Plus America Facebook pages. Also to sign up for the pageant go to http://www.misskentuckyplusamerica.com.

 ###

The VIPP Report: 3rd Sunday returns and will honor a veteran in the field during Black History Month

Posted on by

IMG_2070

Dudley Products Louisville & Dudley Q Kentucky, a leader in urban hair care and cosmetics kicks off another year of their 3rd Sunday Protect & Respect the Beauty Industry Series. It’s “Ode to the Hot Stove!” with featuring this month’s spotlight artist Yolanda Huff from Atlanta on Sunday, February 15th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.

In honor of Black History Month, 3rd Sunday we will honor a true veteran in the beauty industry when it comes to African American hair.   Eighty-one year old, Mrs. Thelma Martin has been behind the chair for more than 61 years. Martin has been through the progression of marcel irons, pressing combs, to roller sets.

Models in the February 15th show will have their hair designs created with those tools that Martin made legendary in the business. We will also highlight African-American businesses that have had longevity in the hair care industry.

Each month Tami Charles, owner of Dudley Products Louisville will dedicate a Sunday to focus on the trends of hair care from natural to salt & pepper/silver hair. She will showcase hair weave, hair color, cuts and even fantasy hair along with a barber and hair battles. Charles has the only authorized Dudley professional and retail store in the nation which is located at 332 West Broadway in Louisville, Kentucky.

General admission is $12 per person in advance and $15 at the door. Spoken word artist Jasemine Reed will be this month’s special entertainment. Reed is a poet, writer and advocate.

For Professionals Only: It’s 3rd Monday on February 16th at the Heyburn Building, 332 W. Broadway, 2nd floor conference room.   Professionals will participate in a working seminar with Smith on “Using Marcel Irons & A Pressing Comb”. The professional seminar is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students save half off the professional price. Atlanta stylist Yolanda Huff will have a class for licensed beauty professionals and students teaching them about Marcel irons and the pressing comb. Smith will also share some of her business and marketing strategies.

To learn more go to http://www.3rdsunday.info or call 502-286-9281. You can also log onto http://www.dudleyproductslouisville.com to learn more about the product line.

If you have a story idea, send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  Follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm.

The VIPP Report: Birdgang Brand Steps Up Their Game With A New Line Of Merchandise

Posted on by

The VIPP Report: Birdgang Brand Steps Up Their Game With A New Line Of Merchandise.

VIPP Communications’ president creates a new blog “The VIPP Report”

Posted on by

Image

To learn more about the blog go to https://thevippreport.wordpress.com/.  If you would like to advertise and/or have your event posted contact us at TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  You can also follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm

TheVIPPReport: Hair care Trailblazer Dr. Joe L. Dudley Sr. will visit Louisville team to support new beauty industry series

Posted on by

Joe_Dudley_Sr_article-small_9134

TheVIPPReport: Dudley Products Louisville & Dudley Q Kentucky, a leader in urban hair care and cosmetics is launching their 3rd Sunday Protect & Respect the Beauty Industry Series. Each month Tami Charles, owner of Dudley Products Louisville will dedicate a Sunday to focus on the trends of hair care from natural to salt & pepper/silver hair.  She will showcase hair weave and even fantasy hair along with a barber and hair battles.
January’s event will be “Hair color”.  Stylist and students from area salons will get an opportunity to talk about the current trends and see how they can incorporate color and care into their clients’ styles.
There will also be a hair show and competition by Kentucky barbers and stylist. Local Barbers and stylist art by Miller Tyme barbershop, Savina’s top notch salon and the Spotlight Artist is Mrs. Nica Jones-Burton of Nu look Salon.

The 3rd Sunday Series will be January 19th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.
Charles’ Dudley Q Kentucky team will focus on strengthen and informing the public and beauty community by providing opportunities to educate and sharpen their hair care skills through workshops and seminars. . Charles is the only authorized Dudley professional and retail store located at 332 W. Broadway.

This month guests will get an opportunity to meet the Co-founder Dr. Joe L. Dudley Sr. He has a success story that needs to be heard.  As a child, they labeled him mentally retarded.  He overcame the struggles and worked hard be a true trailblazer in the hair care industry. He’s received numerous awards from the Horatio Alger (rags to riches) award to presently receiving the Got Entrepreneur Award in 2013 from both the state of North Carolina and South Carolina. These honors will go into the history books because Dudley is the first African American to receive the awards.

Dudley says he enjoys coming to Louisville and loves to see how the professionals embrace the products and instructors, “There is a special spirit among the people at Dudley products that makes us stand out from most organizations. We are serious about self-improvement and empowering others. We are committed to having a life of abundance. We are excited beyond words about life and all of the opportunity that it offers. We have been conditioned to give up such words as I can’t and I won’t and replace them with an attitude of I AM! I CAN! & I WILL”.

If you are interested in participating, you can do the following: be a spotlight artist, be involved in the competition, showcase, be a vendor, advertise in the program and/or donate prizes.
General admission is $12 per person.  Licensed professionals/students who would like to participate in the hair color class on January 20th at the same location are $10.

To learn more go to http://www.thirdsunday.info or call 502-286-9281. You can also log onto http://www.dudleyproductslouisville.com to learn more about the product line.

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