The VIPP Report: The Lincoln Foundation announces Evening of Jazz entertainment

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Ansyn Banks Quintet will PERFORM tribute to jazz great Kenny Dorham at

 ANNUAL EVENING OF JAZZ

(Louisville, KY).  The 22nd Annual Evening of Jazz featuring the Ansyn Banks Quintet will be held on Friday, August 18, 2017 at the KCD Theater, 4100 Springdale Road. Proceeds from the event benefit the Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program®.  A pre-concert reception with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will begin at 5:30 p.m. The program and concert, which features the Ansyn Banks Quintet performing a tribute to jazz great Kenny Dorham, begins at 7:00 p.m.

As a jazz trumpeter, singer and composer, Kenny Dorham played with such jazz greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Billy Eckstine and Mercer Ellington. He was best known for his album entitled Afro-Cuban which showcased his interest in combining Latin music with jazz.

Ansyn Banks, an associate professor of jazz trumpet at the University of Louisville School of Music, teaches jazz styles and analysis, jazz improvisation and directs the university’s jazz combo program.  He has performed with jazz legends such as Dick Oatts, Harry Pickens, Chuck Marohnic, Hank Marr, Gene Walker and Melvin Rhyne as well as some of the biggest names in entertainment like the Mighty Dells, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin and the Four Tops.

Prior to the concert, Lincoln Foundation will present the prestigious Spirit of Excellence Award which is annually given to a local individual who exemplifies an active commitment to education, human/community service, and leadership.  This year’s recipient is Cathe Dykstra, Chief Possibility Officer and President & CEO of Family Scholar House, for her role in “changing lives, families and communities through education”.  Past recipients include Christina Lee Brown, Laura Douglas, Ed Hamilton, Mary Gwen Wheeler, Mayor Greg Fischer, Robert & Deborah Blair and Lonnie & the late Muhammad Ali.

Lincoln Foundation has empowered disadvantaged youth to overcome adversity through education since its inception by Berea College over 100 years ago. Lincoln Foundation believes that students can break the cycle of poverty in their families through higher education. The mission of the organization is to provide educational enrichment programs that develop and support youth in overcoming barriers to achievement.  The signature Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program® annually serves approximately 460 students in grades 7-12 and over a six-year period prepares them for high school and college graduation. The college-prep program has demonstrated successful outcomes with Scholars earning over 361 undergraduate and graduate degrees since 2000.  Today over 150 Scholars are enrolled at accredited colleges or universities.

The Evening of Jazz is made possible this year due to the generous support of LG&E and KU Energy, Brown-Forman, Business First, Louisville Defender, Stock Yards Bank & Trust and PNC Bank among others.

Tickets are available for purchase through the KCD Theater box office http://www.kcdtheater.org.  For additional information about Lincoln Foundation or the 22nd Annual Evening of Jazz, please contact Paula Campbell at 502.585.4733 ext. 203 or visit the Lincoln Foundation website at http://www.lincolnfdn.org.

To schedule an interview and/or have one of our artists perform during your television program, please contact Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com. 

Link to Evening of Jazz flyer-  EOJ17Postcard-final

 

 

 

 

The VIPP Report: Superchef adds television host to his resume with a live studio audience which will be filmed in Louisville

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(Louisville, KY) You’ve seen him on numerous national and cable cooking programs from Rachel Ray, Food Network, HLN, to the Cooking Channel as a guest.  Now, Darnell “SuperChef” Ferguson will host his own one hour television special.

SuperChefs Live will be filmed on Friday, May 19th from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm at Sullivan University with a live studio audience.  During the cooking show SuperChef will make a delectable pizza parfait.  He will also have Derek Anderson, NBA & NCAA champion, author and entrepreneur as one of his guest.  The culinary event with tastings of creative cooking demos, music and inspiration.

SuperChef says “I always wanted to have my own show.  This is a pilot show and it will launch several things for me including my new book “of “Knowing Is half the fight…Cooking is the other”.  I’m humbled each and every day by the support I’m receiving. Stay tuned for future announcements that I’m excited to share with you.”

We invite you to be a part of the studio audience, tickets are only $75 per person which includes cocktails, an autographed copy of Darnell “SuperChef” Ferguson’s book and seat in the auditorium for the live two hour taping.    Reserve your seat(s) by going to supercheflive@gmail.com and R.S.V.P. (Limited seats available).   Proceeds will benefit Children Shouldn’t Hunger initiative.

If you would like to setup an interview with Darnell “Super Chef” Ferguson, please contact VIPP Communications at 502-295-0435 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.

Super Chefs located at 1702 Bardstown Road.

Please visit the following sites for additional information:  http://eatsuperchefs.com/ and/or www.iamsuperchef.com.

Reserve your seat today by going to Superchefslive.eventbrite.com.

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VIPP Communications is your one-stop public relations, marketing, event management, consulting and television production firm that caters to high-profile clients looking to expand their brand.  

 

The VIPP Report: Arts Council of Louisville will celebrate Women’s History Month

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Sherlene Shanklin with WHAS11 Television and the owner of VIPP Communications (The VIPP Report, VIPP Style and Ivy Promotions) will be one of the guest speakers.

You are cordially invited the HISTORIC program celebrating Women’s History Month. Workshops of great interest and issues with local leaders discussing “Where do we go from here?” The topics are: JOBS; SOCIAL JUSTICE; ARTS EDUCATION; YOUTH LEADERSHIP; BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP; BANKING & FINANCE; MEDIA; HEALTHY & WELLNESS.

KICKING OFF this exciting day of activities are arts presentations of “A Bus Ride with Mrs. Rosa Parks” and performers from Belize Dance Intermix.

At noon, there’s A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO THE LEGACY OF LOUISVILLE BLACK WOMEN & LUNCHEON opens with a traditional African Drum Call and dance with Harlina Churn Diallo. A tradition African Ceremony is done by as a Libation by Nana Akosua Bakeman Gyeaboa, LCSW, LCAD, CCTP, CNHP, ND in the Hotel Ballroom. Arts presented during the meal are “I AM ANGELA DAVIS” by Ayana Churn and a MIME by “Sunni.”

The distinguished Professor Dr. Joy Carew, Ph.D. of Pan-African Studies at the University of Louisville will be the keynote speaker.

RECOGNITION OF BLACK WOMEN: Ruth Bryant; Sarah Martin; Abby Fife; Mary Ann Fisher; Representative Mae-Street-Kidd; Harriett Porter; Dani Porter; Delores Baker; Anita Neil; Alderwoman Louise Reynolds; Zambia Nkrumah White; Alderwoman Lois Morris; Mary Alyce Sweeney; Senator Georgia Montgomery Davis Powers; Maude Brown Porter; Mildred Neal; Samiyra Shabazz; Judith E. Green; Juanita Burks; Dollye Cunningham; Zephra Mae Miller; Attorney Alberta Jones; Barbara Miller; Geneva Cooper Rich; Wilma Claybourne; Hilda Butler; Zephra Mae Miller; Mattie Coffield; Jewel K. McNari; Lucy Gantt Sheppard; Gladys Carter; Emma L. Minnis, Ida Louise King; Jimmy White; Milton Page; Lillian Cole-Singleton, Margaret Yeager, Lucille Madry; Anna L. Huddleston; Effie Mae Jewell, Georgia Eugene; Maude Benboe; Vera Dockery; Eleanor Hutchinson; Rebecca Shashu Tucker; Lillian D. Anthony; Grace James; Amy Hamilton; Rose Banks and to all our divine and benevolent African Ancestors who gave us the best of themselves. (A partial listing).

CLOSING PANEL DISCUSSION ~ Q & A with the community.

TOPIC -“WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?”
*ELECTED METRO LOUISVILLE COUNCILWOMEN & JCPS- Ms. Jessica Green; Dr. Barbara Shanklin; Ms. Mary Woolridge and Ms. Cheri Bryant Hamilton & Elected Jefferson County Public School Board Member Ms. Diane Porter.

ADJOURNMENT AFFIRMATION

MAKING MOVES: THE POWER OF BLACK WOMEN
EVENT DATE: Saturday = March ;18, 2017 – Open to the public
Place: Hotel Louisville,120 West Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Doors open at 8:30 AM
Contact: Nana Yaa Asantewaa (502) 567-2787
Email: louisvillearts@aol.com
Presented by Arts Council of Louisville, Inc. – Disability Accessible

TICKETS – ONLINE – www.Eventbrite.com <community>
and can be purchased at BETTER DAYS WEST REC0RDS,
LYLES MALL 26TH & BROADWAY

The VIPP Report: Meet Steve Mudd Jr. GM at Montgomery Chevrolet

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2974aa0ab2894b41a1704e9b5cfa117fTHE GENERAL MANAGER FOR ONE OF THE TOP AUTOMOTIVE DEALERS IN KENTUCKY FINDS A WAY TO HIRE EMPLOYEES NEEDING A SECOND CHANCE BY TURNING OBSTACLES INTO OPPORTUNITIES

(Louisville, KY) With less than two years in his new position, Steve Mudd Jr., and his team at Montgomery Chevrolet have doubled sales over their projection. They actually grew 65% in year over year sales.

The first 40 Under 40 award recipient is only one of four African American General Managers in the state of Kentucky was passed the GM torch in July 2015 and has been excelling since that day.  As he climbed the leadership ladder, he continued to develop his support team.  Even with his busy schedule, Steve takes the time to teach his sales team the auto business.  By making them knowledgeable on the sales floor, it gives customers confidence in the sales team and their purchase.

Steve likes to stay above the curve by finding innovative sales tactics by using mediums like social media platforms.  He says “To be a leader, you need to find an employee’s strength and build from it.  Just like an athlete on a team. Each person has a particular position they play. They become a leader in the position but fellow teammates are there to assist to make sure the ball stays in play. That’s why I chose the Disney Approach developed by Walt Disney”.

When the perspective customer pulls into the lot, they are greeted. Instead of them looking for help, Steve’s team is there walking them through the process.

Mudd goes on to say “Customer service is vital because we want you to become a repeat customer.  How you feel when you drive your new car off the lot, is the same feeling you get when it’s time to start thinking about additional purchases.  They should be saying to themselves that they would return because their last experience was a good one.”

If you need an automotive expert to talk about trends, breaking auto news, and team building contact VIPP Communications at interviewrequest@vippcommunications.com or by calling our office at 502-582-7716.

The VIPP Report: Louisville restaurant will be tonight on the Cooking Channel

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THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT WILL SHINE BRIGHT ON SUPERCHEFS AND ITS UNIQUE MENU TONIGHT ON THE COOKING CHANNEL

(Louisville, KY) Louisville entrepreneur and owner of one of the most notable restaurants in Louisville is profiled on a national scale.  Darnell “SuperChef” Ferguson will make an appearance on the Cooking Channel’s Cheap Eats tonight, January 26th at 10:00 p.m. (EST).  SuperChef will be a part of the Cream of the Crop episode hosted by Ali Khan.

Khan travelled to Louisville several weeks ago and visited several eateries including SuperChefs.  The dish that Darnell chose to showcase was his Southern fried chicken and sweet potato waffles.

Darnell Ferguson says “We are only 26 days into the new year and things are in full swing from business to welcoming my son Legend Ali last week to launching the Stop the Violence initiative where local non-profit organizations receive a portion of the sales on a designated day.  I’ve also received other television opportunities so stay tuned for details.  I would like to thank everyone for their continued support it means the world to me as I continue to work hard in business and in the community.”

Be sure to tune into the Cooking Channel tonight at 10:00 p.m.

Superchefs is located at 1702 Bardstown Road. To see their menu, visit our website at http://eatsuperchefs.com/.   

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

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VIPP Communications is your one-stop PR, Marketing and Events Management firm headquartered in Louisville, KY.  Follow us on Twitter @vippcomm and Facebook @VIPPCommunications. 

If you would like to be an advertiser with The VIPP Report contact us at thevippreport@vippcommunications.com.

The VIPP Report: SuperChefs’ owner Darnell Ferguson turns a hardship into a blessing

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supercheflogoEVEN THROUGH THEIR OBSTACLES AND MINOR SETBACKS SUPERCHEFS REOPENS THEIR DOORS AND THE FIRST THING ON THEIR AGENDA IS TO GIVE BACK TO AREA YOUTH

(Louisville, KY) The vision remains the same even through trials and tribulations.  Superchefs one year ago this week watched the building go up in flames only for the owner Darnell Ferguson and his team to regroup and move to a new location on Bardstown Road.  On the eve of their celebration to commemorate their success the restaurant receives another setback.  This time, the water pipe burst causing the restaurant to flood but like they say in entertainment “The show must go on”.  After closing temporarily to get things cleaned up, Superchefs reopens on Wednesday.

Darnell Ferguson says “This minor setback is only setting me up for something even bigger.  If I can’t handle the little obstacles like a busted pipe at one location, I may be blocking a blessing of multiple restaurants in several cities across the U.S. This is only a test to test my patience and my team and I are up for the challenge.”

Ferguson also started a new STOP THE VIOLENCE initiative.  He wanted to take his talents in the kitchen to be a blessing to youth in the area.  So, once a month, Ferguson and his Superchefs team will choose a day where a non-profit organization will receive proceeds from their restaurant sales.

Ferguson says “I would like to start with the organization AMPED.  The West Louisville based organization and its leadership work hard to keep youth off the streets and to expose them to the world of music from writing, performing and producing.  I support their efforts and want to see them succeed.”

The STOP THE VIOLENCE fundraiser will be held on Tuesday, Janauary 17, 2017.

Dave Christopher Sr with AMPED says “”We are so grateful to Darnell for helping AMPED to help the youth in our community. Super Chef Darnell is such an inspiration. He has been through so much and yet he continues to push forward with his dream and mission to inspire others to achieve greatness. A fire and then a flood and yet he keeps on smiling and thinking of others, wow!”

Superchefs is located at 1702 Bardstown Road. To see our menu, visit our website at http://eatsuperchefs.com/.   

If you would like to setup an interview, please contact VIPP Communications at 502-295-0435 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.

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The VIPP Report: Kentucky based DB Bourbon Candy gets “Presidential” status as they head to Washington to serve V.I.P. guests at the Congressional Black Caucus

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(Louisville, KY) It’s the moment when you realize that the highest government official in the United States of America will be attending the V.I.P. reception you are sponsoring and your product and state pride begins to kick in.  DB Bourbon Candy, LLC headquartered in Frankfort, Kentucky along with Four Roses Bourbon will travel to the District of Columbia to be sponsors of the V.I.P. Reception at the 45th Annual Legislative Conference Phoenix Awards Dinner where President Barack Obama will serve as the keynote speaker.

The dinner will be held on Saturday, September 19th at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. at 6:00 p.m.

DB Bourbon Candy was asked to provide 600 boxes of their delicious Four Roses Bourbon filled candy for guests to enjoy.  Dignitaries from Congress, the Senate and the President and First Lady Michelle Obama will all be in attendance.

Robyn Stuart, DB Bourbon Candy CEO says “To be in a room full of history makers proud of their accomplishments only gives me a sense of pride that I made my dream into reality. From a family tradition created to celebrate a holiday to introducing people all over the world to a Kentucky favorite.  This is the ultimate invite to be asked to be a part of such a prestigious event where our country’s head of state will be in attendance.  This is a true example that I can achieve anything”.

Prior to Saturday’s event on Wednesday, September 14th, DB Bourbon Candy will provide 200 boxes for the 20th Annual Celebration of Leadership in Fine Arts honoring entertainment icons Cicely Tyson, Richard Roundtree and Dionne Warwick.  It takes place at Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F. Street NW, Washington, D.C.

DB Bourbon Candy has participated in some of the biggest events across the U.S. from three invites to the Academy Awards, Emmys, Breeder’s Cup Taste of the World at Winstar, Chris Tucker Celebrity Golf Tournament, Barbara Streisand Fundraiser, Chris Everett Charity event, Soul Train Awards, Kentucky NFL Hall of Fame and many Kentucky Derby events like Barnstable-Brown Gala, Grand Gala and 100 Black Men of Louisville.

DB Bourbon Candy can be found in various locations throughout Kentucky in Liquor Barn and the Kroger Company. You can always visit their site at http://www.dbbourboncandy.com.

In 2002, Stuart started her business after the passing of her mother.   During the holidays, her mother would create the delicious treat as a family tradition. Robyn wanted to honor her mother in some way so she decided to start the business and make the original candy recipe apart of her business. With the support of Four Roses and Bourbon Country as well as the many events and activities she participates in everyone loves to see the wonderful creation that she produces.  From initially starting with candy the business has grown into developing other products such as chocolate covered fruit, cheesecakes to chocolate covered popcorn.

If you would like to setup an interview and/or invite DB Bourbon to your next event, please contact Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.

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