The VIPP Report: Prince kicks off his tour in Louisville and Sherlene Shanklin reviews the show

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Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL "HitnRun" Tour Opener - Louisville

Special by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television, Louisville, KY

“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.

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Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL "HitnRun" Tour Opener - Louisville

 

The VIPP Report: The Deion Branch Foundation prepares for the 2015 Kentucky Derby Marathon/miniMarathon

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It’s that time of the year again! The Deion Branch Foundation will be entering the 2015 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon/miniMarathon on Saturday, April 25, 2015! For the fourth year, Team Branch will be running the Mini (13.1 miles) portion of the race.

Because of all of you,  last year we were able to raise a total of $10,725!  That’s $22,000 including the Branch Family donation match. We are excited to begin training and even more excited to see if we can reach our goal again this year.  In addition to raising funds for the foundation, we will also be donating multiple small grants to non-profit organizations in need, who share our mission of supporting children’s mental, physical and emotional well-being of children in our communities. In order to apply, applicants will need to send a letter on their organization’s letterhead that includes:

Introduction/Information on program.  Amount of money needed.  How the grant will benefit the children being serviced.

All letters can be mailed to the foundation and must be postmarked by April 1, 2015. Winners will be chosen at random and will be notified no later that April15, 2015. To keep this event special for us, Deion will still be pushing Deiondre the last mile (mile 12)! Upon completion of the event, the Branch Family will MATCH ALL funds raised. We ask that you please join us and consider making a donation in honor of Deiondre and the Deion Branch Foundation.

You can also help by spreading the word. Please feel free to share on your social media pages as well as with organizations who you think will benefit from our grants.  If you would like to volunteer or run/walk with Team Branch please send us an email at deionbranchfoundation@gmail.com.

Help us make a difference, one mile at a time!!!

To donate, please visit the following link:    http://www.active.com/donate/TeamBranch15 .

Send donations and grant letters to: Team Branch, P.O Box 568, Carmel, IN 46082.

Thanks for your continued generosity, love and support,

Team Branch

The Deion Branch Charitable Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to offer support to children’s mental, physical, emotional well-being and for those inflicted with meningitis.  The DBCF’s mission is to help with research and to find a cure to ease the struggles for children like Deiondre, Deion’s son. The foundation goal is to assist by providing programs and initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Branch is a client of VIPP Communications.  For interviews and/or appearances contact us at info@vippcommunications.com.

The VIPP Report: Muhammad Ali welcomes the Prince of Wales to Louisville, KY

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Muhammad Ali released this updated photo on Twitter 3-20-15 Cheering on the Louisville Cardinals. He also sent a statement to the Prince of Wales who was visiting Louisville.

Muhammad Ali released this updated photo on Twitter 3-20-15 Cheering on the Louisville Cardinals. He also sent a statement to the Prince of Wales who was visiting Louisville.

By Sherlene Shanklin

On Friday, Louisville native Muhammad Ali sent a warm “Welcome to Louisville” message to Prince Charles and his wife Camilla who are visiting the city as part of a multiple-day trip to the states.  The statement from Ali, which was read by Mayor Greg Fischer during today’s Harmony and Health Initiative Luncheon at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage.

His Majesty Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall,

 Lonnie and I welcome you to our hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, USA! We are honored that you have come to explore, share, and learn about new sustainable initiatives that are so close to your hearts. Louisville prides itself on being a compassionate city and we are confident that you will leave feeling a sense of our southern hospitality, caring for the environment, and yes—our love for college basketball.  As you travel back to your homeland, we hope you know how much this city respects and admires the many contributions you have made in the world. We think you are the greatest.

 –Muhammad Ali

If you have a story that you would like for Sherlene Shanklin to cover send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  You can also follow me on Twitter @sherlenemediapr or @vippcomm

The VIPP Report: Derek Anderson will host a basketball camp in his hometown of Louisville to help prepare youth to handle themselves both on and off the court

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1799000_10203164447174035_729699839_oFormer NBA and NCAA champion Derek Anderson is proud to announce the return of his Stamina Camp for the third year. “Stamina Camp 15” will be held in Louisville, KY on June 22th-26th at Louisville Collegiate School, 2427 Glenmary Ave. The five-day camp will go from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day where Anderson and his team of coaches will take your child through a series of life skills that can be used both on and off the court.

Anderson says “I like teaching basketball players but I love to help people to be better! At Stamina Camp we all get better at BOTH! I want to teach them how to hold your follow thru, become a great shooter to doing your chores and becoming a responsible person in life. I hope it becomes second nature to them. Sports and Life go hand in hand if you want to WIN in both!”

The Kentucky Wildcat legend is opening the camp to youth from ages 7 to 17. Derek and some of his former teammates will stop by to participate in the camp. He’s also working on a few surprises for the youth. Just to give you an idea, last year, Derek played H.O.R.S.E. and held free throw contests and if the camp’s participant won, Derek would give the winner a pair of signed Jordan Brand shoes.

The camp is only $175, which includes a t-shirt, free lunch, drinks and a career poster.

To register your child, for Derek Anderson’s Stamina Camp 15 go to http://www.staminacamp.com. Registration begins on Monday, March 16th.

If you would like to setup an interview with Derek Anderson about his Stamina NBA Skills Camp, appearances involving his Stamina Book Tour and/or to be a sponsor please contact Sherlene Shanklin, Anderson’s publicist at 502-295-0435 or by email at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.

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

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(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.

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The VIPP Report: General Colin Powell comes to Kentucky

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Gen. Colin Powell comes to Lexington, KY in May

Gen. Colin Powell comes to Lexington, KY in May

Four-star General Colin Powell has served more than 35 years of service to the U.S. Army. He also served as President Ronald Reagan’s national security advisor. Now, Powell will be in Lexington, Kentucky in May.
General Powell will share his insights on leadership at the opening session of Alltech’s REBELation Week.

Powell is the first African American to be the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for both President George H.W. Bush and President Bill Clinton. Powell is scheduled to speak on Monday, May 18th.
To learn more about REBELnation Week go to http://www.alltech.com.

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

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

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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: Louisville native Muhammad Ali celebrates his 73rd birthday today

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ali_wallpaper_2_1024The VIPP Report:  Louisville native and boxing legend Muhammad Ali celebrates his 73rd birthday today with family and close friends.  The Greatest of all time, (GOAT) has been in and out of the hospital the last month, recovering from an inflection.  As the Louisville Lip continues to recover his hometown will celebrate tonight with a dinner, the world premiere of And in This Ring….Cassius Clay production and two new temporary exhibits will be on display at the Muhammad Ali Center.

Today, Ali is trending on social media with fans, celebrities and athletes from all over the world sending him birthday wishes.  The Ali family appreciates all of the prayers and well wishes but they are requesting privacy as they focus on Ali’s recovery.

To celebrate Ali’s birthday, I wanted to share one of the quotes that I love, “If you even dream of beating me you’d better wake up and apologize”.  #GOAT #LouisvilleLip #TheChampishere #Ali #boxinglegend #itsmorethanastory #itshistory

The VIPP Report was created by Sherlene Shanklin who’s also a Louisville, KY native.  She has been following the “Greatest” pretty much her whole adult life, even prior to starting her 20 plus years in the broadcast industry.  She’s covered numerous events, honors and special appearances Muhammad Ali has made over the years.

Shanklin is an Assignment Editor and the creator of The411 with Sherlene Shanklin at WHAS 11 Television, ABC affiliate which finds unique stories and finds a way to put a local spin on them.  You can follow her on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr.

If you have a story for The VIPP Report send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  You can follow the blog on Twitter @VIPPComm.

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The VIPP Report: Political activist Angela Davis will be the keynote speaker at Kentucky Alliance annual gala

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28th Annual Brooklyn Tribute To Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hosted By BAM

To mark the 40th anniversary of the “Unity Movement”celebration, the Kentucky Alliance will hold their annual dinner. It will be held on Friday, December 19th featuring political activist, scholar and author Angela Davis as the keynote speaker.
The late Dr. J. Blaine Hudson will be honored posthumously with the Carl and Anne Braden Lifetime Achievement Award.
The dinner will be held at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage. Tickets are $60 per person. For more information you can call 502-778-8130.

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

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

The VIPP Report: Muhammad Ali and Lonnie Ali will appear at a rally in Louisville

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By Sherlene Shanklin

I’ve have learned that Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie will attend a senate race rally in Louisville, KY later today.  The Ali’s will attend Alison Lundergen Grimes senate race rally at the Muhammad Ali Center.  Former President Bill Clinton will be the featured speaker.

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

The VIPP Report: Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award honorees and presenters announced

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The Muhammad Ali Center held a news conference Thursday to talk about CONGO14 Louisville and the Second Annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards.　

Donald Lassere, CEO for the Muhammad Ali Center announced the following as this year’s recipients: Jim Brown, Mick Eberling, Susan Sarandon and Common.　

Brown, former NFL star who played for the Cleveland Browns. He stood up for civil rights and fought for equality and against injustice. He’s the recipient of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Lifetime Achievement Award.

Eberling is receiving the Humanitarian of the Year Award. He’s the founder and CEO of Not Impossible, LLC, an organization that develops creative solutions to real-world problems.

Sarandon, an Academy-Award winning actress and social and economic activist will receive the award for Global Citizenship.

Common will be honored with the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Education. The multi-Grammy Award winner, actor, poet and activist is known for motivating and empowering collegiate minds.

This year’s Muhammad Ali Kentucky Humanitarian Award will be presented to Robert and Deborah Blair. They are the founders of the West End School in Louisville. The school is a free, private, college preparatory school for young men.

Ali will also honor six young people who exemplies one of his core principles of confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect and spirituality. Recipients are from New York, Kenya, Colombia, Iowa, California and Malaysia.

Some of the people who will be presenters during the Saturday, September 27th event at the Louisville Marriott Downtown will be: Lonnie Ali, Brad Montague, Robby Novak, Holly Robinson-Peete, William Mapother, Pamela Brown and Congressman John Yarmuth.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the “Rumble in the Jungle” where Ali battled against George Foreman in the historical boxing match. The Ali Center will host a benefit concert featuring two-time Grammy award artist Bruno Mars, multi-Grammy award winners The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards and rising stars Southern Sirens according to Lassere.

Mars only has a few dates left on his tour schedule so fans will be in for a treat by listening to his hits like “Grenade”, “If I Were Your Man”, plus many others. Fans of The Temptations get to hear the rich Motown sound and high energy performance. You will hear songs like “My Girl”, “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” to “Get Ready”. The Southern Sirens will also perform during the concert. Lassere says its just a matter of time before everyone will know their name.

The Ali Center Benefit Concert will be Saturday, September 20th at the Kentucky International Convention Center. Tickets range from $50 to $200. Discounts are available for military families, educators, and students. Show your ticket stub and receive free admission to the Ali Center.

For additional information on both events visit the Muhammad Ali Center website at www.alicenter.org.

If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm or @Sherlenemediapr. (creator of The VIPP Report). 

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Lincoln Foundation’s 19th Annual Evening of Jazz

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The Lincoln Foundation presents the 19th Annual Evening of Jazz featuring Marcus Click. For interviews contact info@vippcommunications.com

The Lincoln Foundation presents the 19th Annual Evening of Jazz featuring Marcus Click. For interviews contact info@vippcommunications.com