Slutty Vegan will hold a pop-up in Louisville at The Palm Room later today

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Official News Release

April 8, 2023

(Louisville, KY) Slutty Vegan, known as one of the top vegan restaurants in U.S. hits the road for a pop-up and Louisville is their next destination.

This Saturday, April 8th from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the parking lot of The Palm Room located at 1821 W. Jefferson Street in Louisville, KY you will see the Slutty Vegan Food Truck. If you follow them on social, you know that lines will form to savor the plant-based food alternatives especially their signature burgers that the Slutty Vegan team will put together right here in West Louisville.

The Palm Room owner Donnie Adkins says, “Louisville has been wanting this opportunity and I’m so proud that our team was able to get this scheduled.  Entrepreneurs helping one another is how we survive. Helping Black-owned businesses is vital for growth.  Everyone can’t travel to Atlanta, so we are bringing Atlanta to Louisville.  Every city they have travelled to has had people standing in long lines just to try the food.  We are going to make this an event, an experience. I hope you come out and support. We are planning events throughout the year so stay tuned.”

Along with the Slutty Vegan Food Truck, The Palm Room will provide music with a DJ, our guest Slutty Vegan will also sell merchandise and The Palm Room will be open for guests to purchase drinks and take a tour of the live music restaurant and bar.

Again, they are expecting a large turnout and we would love for you to cover our event. We are introducing the residents to healthy alternatives to things they eat every day.

To learn more about Joe’s Palm Room and Slutty Vegan we have attached their websites.  https://www.joespalmroomlounge.com & http://sluttyveganatl.com/

If you get calls that there’s a large crowd on Jefferson Street on Saturday. Follow the people heading to The Palm Room and look for the yellow food truck. 

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About Slutty Vegan:

Founded by CEO and visionary Pinky Cole, Slutty Vegan is an Atlanta-based, nationally acclaimed burger joint offering bangin’ 100% vegan comfort food. Slutty Vegan’s crave-worthy, indulgent menus and joyful customer interactions draw locals and visitors to eagerly wait in now-famous lines down the block for a vegan burger, with sluttified fans including celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Jermaine Dupri, Taraji P. Henson, Tyler Perry, and Queen Latifah. Slutty Vegan has ten existing brick-and-mortar locations, including metro-Atlanta stores in the Edgewood, Jonesboro, Duluth and West View neighborhoods, on-campus at Georgia Tech, and inside Truist Park, plus outposts in Athens, Georgia, Birmingham, AL and Harlem and Brooklyn, New York. In addition, the brand’s “Big Ol’ Slut” food truck tours the country popping up in neighborhoods across the region.

VIPP Communications is a full-service public relation, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand.  Our clientele ranges from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes.  Contact one of our team members to see how we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com.  www.vippcommunications.com

West Louisville Performing Arts Academy celebrate 33 years of helping youth through arts

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WLPAA will be in concert and honor community leaders

(Louisville, KY) The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA) will host its 33rd Hope Awards Dinner Concert at6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 12th at the Galt House Hotel, 140 North Fourth Street in the Grand Ballroom.

This year’s McDaniel Bluitt Hope Award recipient and keynote speaker will be Dr. Teresa Reed, Dean for the School of Music at the University of Louisville.

Additional awards will be presented during the program to recognizes community leaders who support WLPAA.

McDaniel Bluitt, Executive Director says “We are really excited to be in-person this year. It is so important to keep our youth motivated. This awards dinner gives them a chance to highlight their talent in front of a room full of people who are there to support them. We were one of very few organizations that were able to keep our youth engaged during the pandemic with the generous support of sponsors as we continued to meet and help our youth during such a challenging time. We cannot wait to dress up and have them share what they have been working on for the last two years. We hope you come out and support us” 

Tickets are $100.00 for adults and $50.00 for students. Tickets are available on Eventbrite and/or by contacting WLPAA by email at wlbc_wlgc@yahoo.com.

We would like to thank our supporters over the 33 years and this year’s donors; LG&E, PNC Bank, Gheen’s Foundation, Direct Relief, and the Fund for the Arts.

To arrange an interview with McDaniel Bluitt, founder of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy, contact: info@vippcommunications.com or http://www.westlouisvilleperformjngarts.org.

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History

West Louisville Boys Choir began in November 1990. The choir is directed by McDaniel Bluitt, a retired vocal music teacher with twenty-nine (29) years of experience. He received his B. M. ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music and a Masters in Counseling from Western Kentucky University. The Boys Choir has performed throughout the commonwealth, for mayors, governors’ other national dignitaries. The Boys Choir’s first European Tour established international prominence in Paris, France and London, England. They received a superior rating during their first international music competition in the Bahamas. They were also awarded first place in the Music Festival at Sea.

The West Louisville Girls Choir made its debut in November 2002. The choir is directed by Mrs. Mamie Bluitt who received her B.M.ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music. The Girls Choir is also a performing choir. Some of its more notable performances are Governor Patton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Frankfort, Kentucky, ECHO, Women for Women Conference and at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Their first Southwestern Tour to Texas was held in 2010.

The VIPP Report: MELANnaire Marketplace heads to the Russell neighborhood showcasing Black-owned businesses in a pop-up mall

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Founder, Nachand Trabue will be honored in an awards ceremony

(Louisville, KY) The MELANnaire Marketplace and Old Walnut Street presents the Black Walnut Marketplace with a pop-up mall as part of West Louisville’s 5th Annual Economic Mobility Summit. It will be held on Friday, October 22nd at the Louisville Central Community Center, 1300 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. The pop-up mall opens at 12:00pm and closes at 9:00pm.


The summit will also recognize six Louisville entrepreneurs with the inaugural Sam Watkins Jr. ‘Light the Way’ Awards Ceremony where MELANnaire Marketplace founder Nachand Trabue will be honored for entrepreneurial excellence. The program is scheduled to begin at 6:00pm.


Trabue says “This is a true honor to be recognized by my peers. I have tried to find ways not only be a successful entrepreneur but to assist other Black-owned businesses find a way to promote and sell their products and services. Entrepreneurship as we’ve learned is a labor of love. So, many have had to close their doors over the past two years while some decided to make a career change and open a business. I try each and every week to give businesses a place where we can work together as a community to generate wealth. I’m truly humbled to be recognized along with the other recipients.”


If you would like to be a vendor and/or be a sponsor, please contact MELANnaire Marketplace at http://www.melannaire.com.
Please announce and/or post on your community calendars.


“Where Black Businesses Matter”
Follow us on social media and take photos using the following hashtags so we can share your experience #MELANnairesLou, #BLACKbusinessesMatterLOU & #MELANnaireMarketplace.
Instagram: @melannairemarketplace

The VIPP Report: Introducing you to the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy

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By Sherlene Shanklin

In today’s Your Story. Their name has changed but their music remains the same bringing all genres of music to West Louisville. I talk to the founder about their success. You recognize them as the West Louisville Boys Choir. 

In 1990, McDaniel Bluitt started The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy originally named the Moore Temple Boys Choir.  In 2002, the choir expanded by adding girls to the program. 

McDaniel says “We started the program because kids needed a way they can be engaged positively and doing the kinds of things that can make them productive members of the community.” 

Two current students, Sylvia Lontz and Alexandria Bluitt were introduced to the program differently but both believe it’s an amazing opportunity and everyone feels like family. 

Sylvia Lontz is heading to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) this fall.  She says “I personally found out about this choir from my former choir director at Central High School.  He introduced it to me.  I though it would be an amazing opportunity for me and my younger sister.” 

Alexandria Bluitt is currently in high school but understands the importance of legacy.  She says “I’ve been in this choir ever since I was 4 or 5 years old.  Considering my grandparents started the choir.  This choir gave me a sense of family, not because they started it but because of the connections I made with people in this choir.”

The program is a melting pot of talents discovered within each child.  A. Bluitt goes on to say “It gives me a sense of structure.  For me personally anyway and I believe everyone needs a foundation to build on top of.”

M. Bluitt says “It’s a part of our slogan its more than just music…its more than just singing because children bring with us whatever they have with them at the time.  Some have training prior to coming to me while others haven’t.” 

They’ve had a chance to travel and perform all over the world from Bahamas to Las Vegas, and all over the state of Kentucky.  With that exposure caused some of his former students to think out of the box.   Key’mon Murrah & Kay’mon Murrah both participated in the program.  As adults they are both classically trained. 

Key’mon is moving to New York.  He says “I’m going to Juilliard in the fall for a graduate diploma. And then I have me Opera debut this winter.”

Kay’mon remains in the area to help others interested in the arts.  He says “I’m working with Kentucky Opera at various events but right now im working as a board member for the public arts commission in Lexington, KY. So that’s been really fulfilling. “

Mr. Bluitt says “Music evolves its never to stay the same.” And so does its leadership. His son Joshua will take the helm and carry on the tradition.  Bluitt says he will still be around consulting and help counsel but feels it’s the right time to pass the baton so his son can take the program even further. 

McDaniel says “One of the things its accomplishing its helping to dispel the myth in the minds of so many people.  Not just Black people, White people m Jewish people not just men but men and women.  They get a chance to see the program that’s holistic.  They get a chance to see the program as positive and believe it or not got their children in it. That’s ongoing and I’m proud of that.” 

Kay’mon says “You have to be open for new things and be willing to absorb it all. I really believe once you start that process you will be able to fly anywhere.”

The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy has a 100% graduation rate and they now enjoy new home for their program.  You can now find their studio in the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage at 17th and West Ali.  To support go to www.wlpaa.org. 

►Contact Your Story’s Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@whas11.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. 

To see the story, click the link below.

https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/west-louisville-boys-choir-community-impact/417-4eb6cf86-d4de-447d-8908-f17c26b0b202

The VIPP Report: Muhammad Ali’s caregiver opens up to Sherlene Shanklin for the first time since the GOAT’s passing

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Special Report from Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11, Louisville

Orginially aired on January 14, 2021

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On Sunday, Muhammad Ali would have been 79. 

On June 3rd, 2016 Ali passed away and thousands lined the streets of Louisville to thank the champ who was not only a boxing champion but an activist and philanthropist respected by many across the world.

For the first time, in an exclusive interview, WHAS11 talked to the person who was his childhood friend, caregiver and sister-in-law. You saw her in many photos over the years. 

Now, Whas11’s Sherlene Shanklin tells you her story of the Champ you didn’t know.

Marilyn Williams says “Muhammad’s mother Odessa Clay and my mother Marguerite Williams were best friends.”

Their families were very close. As a child, she looked up to him as a big brother having no idea that years later she would call him her brother-in-law.

‘Lonnie Ali is my big sister,” Williams said.

Prior to working with family, she was a successful entrepreneur owning her own salon and then worked at the Ford Plant right here in Louisville.

So, when Lonnie was looking for someone to help with their business affairs and later assist Ali and with his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Marilyn was the perfect choice to be his caregiver while some even thought she was their bodyguard.

“I was his security because if you got close to Muhammad you were in trouble if you weren’t supposed to be there,” said Williams.

She talked to me about being a caregiver for Ali. “I knew I had to do the best I could do. I had to be the best. I had to be on it. I knew this man. I knew him ever since I was a child so I had to be on it.”

People always asked, could he speak after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s? Williams said, “Muhammad could smile, stars eyes would just sparkle and he talked a lot with his eyes, he talked with his voice, his hands. He definitely got his message across.”

Anytime ‘the Champ’ could get home he did and Marilyn shared this fond memory.

“Muhammad loved Louisville. You say Louisville if I was working and I said I was going on vacation. Where are you going? I said I’m going to Louisville. I wanna go.”

I also asked Williams could she tell me something about Ali people didn’t know. She sighs before answering–“Muhammad and Lonnie will say this too. He had a kind and loving heart. He saw nothing wrong with no one. He would be with kings and queens, presidents and then turn around and be with the poorest person on this earth or the sickest person on this earth. It didn’t matter to him. He loved all.”

To see everything happening in Louisville sometimes even along the street that bears his name and across the country how does that make you feel?

“Well I can’t actually speak for Muhammad because he can speak for himself but a few things he taught me and that was respect for all mankind. One thing I asked him, I was always asking him questions when I was younger growing up and he told me that there’s good and bad in every race and every religion. There’s good and bad,” Williams said.

The final question of the interview I had to ask what she misses the most about the GOAT?

With tears in her eyes, she responded by saying “His eyes, his kindness, his spirit, his spirit was so beautiful. To be around him he gave you energy. Even if there was a gray day outside he made the sunshine.”

I had to use the video one more time of Louisville’s own, the man who had no problem telling you “I’m still the greatest!!!”

Link to the WHAS11 story https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/muhammad-ali-caregiver-marilyn-williams-talks-greatest-of-all-time-goat-champ/417-b3ecdbeb-97b1-4062-9e01-ecf439074c89

Since the story aired on WHAS11, an ABC/Tegna affiliate here’s some of the other stations that picked up my story:

King5.com, 11Alive.com, WTHR.com, 12newsnow.com, ksdk.com, WUSA9.com, kentuckydailynews.com, firstcoastnews.com, kcentv.com, wkyc.com, wfmynews2.com, WLTX.com and MSN.com.

The VIPP Report: WLPAA 30 Year Celebration: “A Million Dreams”

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WLPAA

(Louisville, KY) The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA) will host its 30 Year Celebration: “A Million Years” 6:00 p.m. Saturday December 14, 2019 at the Omni Hotel Louisville in the Olmstead Ballroom.

The emcee for the evening will be the Honorable District #4 Councilwoman, Barbara Sexton Smith. Special guest for the evening will be the Honorable Greg Fischer, Mayor of Louisville.

Come!!  Enjoy!! The evening will be filled with the “sounds of hope,” orchestral sounds from Jubals Strings, and fine dining, and tribute will be given to McDaniel Bluitt, founder/director of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy, for 30 years of service.

The Academy invites you to support the children as they celebrate this momentous occasion. Adult tickets are $100.00, student tickets are $50.00.  All tickets may be purchased at: Artspace, 4th floor 323 West Broadway

For more information regarding the 30 Year Celebration contact Kathy Washington, Event Coordinator (502) 235-0745.

To arrange an interview with McDaniel Bluitt, founder of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy, contact: info@vippcommunications.com or http://www.westlouisvilleperformjngarts.org.

History

West Louisville Boys Choir began in November 1990. The choir is directed by McDaniel Bluitt, a retired vocal music teacher with twenty-nine (29) years of experience. He received his B. M. ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music and a Masters in Counseling from Western Kentucky University. The Boys Choir has performed throughout the commonwealth, for mayors, governors other national dignitaries. The Boys Choir’s first European Tour established international prominence in Paris, France and London, England. They received a superior rating during their first international music competition in the Bahamas. They were also awarded first place in the Music Festival at Sea.

The West Louisville Girls Choir made its debut in November 2002. The choir is directed by Mrs. Mamie Bluitt who received her B.M.ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music. The Girls Choir is also a performing choir.   Some of its more notable performances are: Governor Patton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Frankfort, Kentucky, ECHO, Women for Women Conference and at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Their first Southwestern Tour to Texas was held in 2010.

 

The VIPP Report: Now Let’s Get Fit Foundation heads to West Louisville and Portland to celebrate health and wellness

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Get Fit

Now Let’s Get Fit Foundation teams with Rajon Rondo Foundation, Kroger and Norton’s for Health and Wellness Day and Back to School Giveaways

 Louisville (August 1, 2019) It’s the “Countdown to Classes” as many families shift gears to prepare their school-age children for the upcoming school year.  The Now Let’s Get Fit Foundation has teamed with Kroger, and the Rajon Rondo Foundation for the Back to School giveaways Health and Wellness Day.

There will be two days will of fun, fitness inspired activities and free school supplies.  We invite the Portland community to participate in the kick off scheduled for Saturday August 10th with Norton’s Unity Jam at Molly Leonard Portland Community Center located at 640 North 27th Street, Louisville. The Unity Jam is from 10-3p will consist of over 22 vendors and will giveaway over 1,000 free back packs and school supplies.

Then we head to West Louisville on Sunday August 11th.  We will be at Kroger at 2710 W. Broadway, Louisville from 3-6p. The event will giveaway over 200 backpacks and school supplies and include Zumba, boot camp, health screenings, dental consultation, kids bounce house, coloring stations and much more.

The Let’s Get Fit Foundation has a mission to combat obesity and instill Health and Wellness through Fitness and Nutrition. Each event is family friendly, Free to the public and includes fitness classes, nutrition stations, health screenings (for obesity related illness), kid zone activities and giveaways. along with other current and former local athletes in attendance and participating.

“Our mission is to not only give back to but to leave a lasting impact by providing resources and community outreach. Being able to help families with back to school supplies while also providing them with a free day of health and wellness that they can apply to their lives moving forward is the least we can do. Just a few weeks ago we mourned the sudden loss of a friend and a mentor in the program Jared Lorenzen.  We want to honor him by continuing with the mission by motivating youth to have a balanced lifestyle.” -Anthony Holt, President of Now Lets Get Fit Foundation.

Sponsors for the event are Kroger, Optup, Powerade Zero, Core Power, Rajon Rondo Foundation, The Little Clinic, and Kare Mobile. The tour will extend to other locations in Louisville, Lexington and surrounding areas the remainder of 2019.

To learn more follow us at https://www.facebook.com/NowLetsGetFit/ or visit our website at www.nowletsgetfit.org.  To be a sponsor and/or volunteer contact Anthony Holt @aholt@nowletsgetfit.com or call 323.365.3371.

If you would like to setup an interview, contact Sherlene Shanklin with VIPP Communications at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.

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vippnewlogo

VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand.  Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes.  Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com.  http://vippcommunications.com

 

 

The VIPP Report: West Louisville Boys and Girls Choirs will be in concert

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WLBGC

THE HOPE AWARDS GIVE YOUTH SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT WHERE EXCELLENCE HITS A HIGH NOTE

(Louisville, KY) The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA) d.b.a. West Louisville Boys and West Louisville Girls Choirs, (WLBC/WLGC) announces their 19th Annual Hope Christmas Awards Dinner Concert on Saturday, December 1st at the University Club on the University of Louisville’s Belknap Campus.  The dinner concert will begin at 6:00 p.m.

This year’s McDaniel Bluitt Hope Award recipient is Manfred Reid.  The current chairman for the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy.  The Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Louisville Metro Housing Authority.  In 2017, Mr. Reid received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award given by Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer.   This year’s emcees will be husband and wife team, Entrepreneur and community leader Lacy and Barbara Sexton Smith, Metro Councilwoman for District 4.

We invite you to come out and support the choirs, our honoree and other special guests.  Tickets for the 19th Annual Hope Awards are $100 for adults and $50 for students.  They can be purchased at 323 West Broadway, Artspace, 4th floor.  For more information, please contact McDaniel Bluitt at 502-376-7840.

Members of the Boys & Girls Choirs rehearse twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The WLPAA is more than just singing.  They offer college scholarships, After School Tutorials, private Acoustic Guitar lessons and performance opportunities locally and statewide.

If you would like to set up an interview with Bluitt, Founder/Director of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com. For additional information go to http://www.westlouisvilleperformingarts.org.

History

West Louisville Boys Choir began in November 1990. The choir is directed by McDaniel Bluitt, a retired vocal music teacher with twenty-nine (29) years of experience. He received his B. M. ED. from the University of Louisville School Of Music and a Masters in Counseling from Western Kentucky University. The Boys Choir has performed throughout the commonwealth, for mayors, governors other national dignitaries. The Boys Choir’s first European Tour established international prominence in Paris, France and London, England. They received a superior rating during their first international music competition in the Bahamas. They were also awarded first place in the Music Festival at Sea.

The West Louisville Girls Choir made its debut in November 2002. The choir is directed by Mrs. Mamie Bluitt who received her B.M.ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music. The Girls Choir is also a performing choir.   Some of its more notable performances are: Governor Patton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Frankfort, Kentucky, ECHO, Women for Women Conference and at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Their first Southwestern Tour to Texas was held in 2010.

 

The VIPP Report: Open enrollment underway for youth interested in the arts

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West-Louisville-Performing-Arts-Academy

(Louisville, KY) The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA) d.b.a. West Louisville Boys and West Louisville Girls Choirs, (WLBC/WLGC) is holding its annual Open Enrollment for new students, boys and girls, ages 8 to 18.

Auditions will be held at the Artspace, 323 West Broadway, 4th floor next door to the Brown Theater. Open Enrollment has already begun and ends Friday October 13th.

Members of the Boys & Girls Choirs rehearse twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The WLPAA is more than just singing.  They offer college scholarships, After School Tutorials, private Acoustic Guitar lessons and performance opportunities locally and statewide.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in any of the WLPAA program offerings, contact information is below:

McDaniel Bluitt, Boys Choir Director, Cell: (502) 376-7840, E-mail: wlbc_wlgc@yahoo.com

Travis Schuster, Acoustical Guitar Instructor,Cell: (502) 909-5939, E-mail: travisschuster2@gmail.com

Mamie Bluitt, Girls Choir Director, Cell: (502) 418-7236, E-mail: mamiegr@gmail.com

If you would like to set up an interview with McDaniel Bluitt, Founder/Director of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy contact us at info@vippcommunications.com. If you are unable to do an interview, we request that you post the information for us.

We are also preparing for our annual Hope Awards. Please Save the Date of Saturday, December 9th at the University Club. Please consider purchasing a table and/or sponsoring a youth.

For additional information go to http://www.westlouisvilleperformingarts.org.

History

West Louisville Boys Choir began in November 1990. The choir is directed by McDaniel Bluitt, a retired vocal music teacher with twenty-nine (29) years of experience. He received his B. M. ED. from the University of Louisville School Of Music and a Masters in Counseling from Western Kentucky University. The Boys Choir has performed throughout the commonwealth, for mayors, governors other national dignitaries. The Boys Choir’s first European Tour established international prominence in Paris, France and London, England. They received a superior rating during their first international music competition in the Bahamas. They were also awarded first place in the Music Festival at Sea.

The West Louisville Girls Choir made its debut in November 2002. The choir is directed by Mrs. Mamie Bluitt who received her B.M.ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music. The Girls Choir is also a performing choir.   Some of its more notable performances are: Governor Patton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Frankfort, Kentucky, ECHO, Women for Women Conference and at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Their first Southwestern Tour to Texas was held in 2010.

 

The VIPP Report: Faith, Hope & Love…The Greatest of these is LOVE

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KirkFranklinFaith-based leaders bring world renowned Gospel artist Kirk Franklin to West Louisville in hopes of spreading peace

(Louisville, KY) With so much going on in our community from violence to economic disparity, people are looking for a ray of hope and inspiration.  On Saturday, May 20th at 6:00 pm, GAB Productions and WLOU 104.7 FM present “An Evening with Kirk Franklin Live”.

Instead of being behind four walls, Franklin and the planning committee decided they wanted to take the message to streets by holding the concert in an open lot behind St. Stephen Church located at 1018 S. 15th Street.

The theme for the concert: “Peace in the Streets”.  Franklin, a multi-Grammy, Dove, and Stellar Award winner will motivate, inspire, and have you encouraged to be more and do more for yourself, family and community.  That’s the mission for this concert.

We are also excited to have Louisville natives, Dove Award winner, Stellar and Grammy Award nominees Jay and The Team open for Franklin.

Bill Price, General Manager for WLOU, WLLV & 104.7FM says “We want to impact the entire community but right now we see a real need to assist the residents west of 9th Street.  This is the first time, that the number #1 Gospel artist in the world has agreed to perform in a major concert format.  He’s coming to support the Peace in the Streets initiative. This will be a treat that all ages, socio-economics, races and faiths can come together as one to promote peace.”

Tickets are still available but are going fast. You can purchase them at Better Days Records East & West.  For reserved seating please call 513-324-4025 or by email at gabproinc@aol.com.

If you would like to setup an interview with Kirk Franklin, Jay and The Team, and/or Bill Price, please contact Sherlene Shanklin, VIPP Communications at 502-295-0435 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.

 

The VIPP Report: TheSlice, a signature Kentucky Derby Festival event in West Louisville will remember the “Greatest of All Time”

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(Louisville, KY) When you think of the Kentucky Derby you think of food, bourbon, horses and parties.  Well, TheSlice Charities of Louisville, the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage and PNC Bank proudly present TheSlice @KCAAH.  TheSlice-Spice, Style & Soul on Saturday, April 29th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  This year’s theme: A Salute to Muhammad Ali: A Life of Inspiration.  The event will be held at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, located in the heart of West Louisville at 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd named after the Greatest of All Time, Muhammad Ali.

For the first time, guests will get to see an exhibit of the late heavy weight champion.  Ali died on June 3, 2016 and the world turned to Louisville, KY as his family, friends and fans sent him off in a champions way.  Throughout the venue you will see a special collection. In the historical procession of Ali through the streets of Louisville the champ did pass KCAAH and the staff thought it was appropriate to have debut his photo exhibit at TheSlice.

“We are excited to have one of Ali’s family members as a special guest”, said Hosea Mitchell, KCAAH’s Chief Operating Officer.  Ibn Ali, son of Rahmaan Ali and nephew of Muhammad.  Ibn is excited and honored to attend TheSlice on behalf of his family. He’s started a program at the Jewish Community Center in Louisville around June.  Additional details will provide in the coming weeks.

TheSlice is the only West Louisville event sanctioned by Kentucky Derby Festival.  Chefs, caterers and restaurants from all over the city will give guests a sample of their cuisine.  Guests walk around the venue and visit food stations and sample their signature dishes. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy music provided by The Unlimited Band.

Tickets are $65.00 in advance and $75.00 day of event at the venue.  This event is for people 21 years old and up. This is an upscale event where after five attire is suggested.  You can purchase tickets at St. Augustine Church at (502) 584-4602; Better Days Records in The Lyles Mall, JAM BUSTERS at 4906 Popular Level Road in Newburg and KCAAH, 1701 W. Muhmmad Ali Blvd.

If you would like to setup an interview with Hosea Mitchell please contact VIPP Communications at 502-582-7716 or by email at mail@vippcommunications.com.

TheSlice-Spice, Style & Soul started in April 2002 as a modest festival featuring fantastic food and live jazz, blues and R & B music in a unique and elegant atmosphere to welcome in the Derby season in West Louisville.  Today, the annual signature fundraiser of The Slice Charities of Louisville, Inc. is touted as one of Metro Louisville’s most outstanding official Kentucky Derby Festival Events.

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 The Slice Charities of Louisville, Inc. is an independent, inner-city focused, public charity that raises funds and makes grant awards to support the ever increasingly crucial “safety net” that today exist only because of the compassionate efforts of the nonprofit social service organizations serving West Louisville and Portland which provide: emergency food, prescription drugs, housing and utility assistance, and after-school programs.

 

Slice

The VIPP Report: The Hope Awards will recognize a long-time supporter of the Beecher Terrace neighborhood

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CEREMONY WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY AT THE UNIVERSITY CLUB

(Louisville, KY) The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA) d.b.a. West Louisville Boys and the West Louisville Girls Choirs, (WLBC/WLGC) invite you to attend their 17th Annual Hope Awards Dinner Concert on Saturday, February 4th at the University Club on U of L’s Belknap Campus. Time is 6:00 p.m.

This year’s honoree will be Ms. Rose Livingston, founder of “The Beech”, an After-School Tutorial Center located in the heart of the Beecher Terrace neighborhood.  Ms. Livingston is a retired dedicated educator and administrator from Jefferson County Public Schools, (JCPS).

McDaniel Bluitt, Boys Choir Director says, “Ms. Livingston has worked tirelessly in the underprivileged communities of Louisville.  Her labor of love has now attracted the attention of not only Louisville’s inner city neighborhoods, but has also garnered her the respect and recognition of the city of Louisville.”  Her goal was to educate children of the community so they could be successful both in the classroom and in life.  She is an unsung hero and on Saturday evening we just want to publicly say, “thank you.”  

WLPAA will also appreciate Ralph Bonmon, Marshall Yancey and Sherlene Shanklin.   It takes a village to keep our youth on the right track and such patrons as these make it easier.”

Tickets for the 17th Annual Hope Awards are $100 for adults and $50 for students.  They can be purchased at 323 West Broadway, Artspace, 4th floor.  For more information, please contact Mrs. Shajuana Campbell at 502-553-1383 or McDaniel Bluitt at 502-376-7840.  Emcees for this occasion will be Bill and Angela Price.

If you would like to set up an interview, contact us at info@vippcommunications.com.

For additional information go to www.westlouisvilleperformingarts.org.

WLPAA

History

West Louisville Boys Choir began in November 1990. The choir is directed by McDaniel Bluitt, a retired vocal music teacher with twenty-eight (28) years of experience.  He received his B. M. ED. from the University of  Louisville School of Music and a Masters degree in Counseling from Western Kentucky University.  The Boys Choir has performed throughout the commonwealth, for mayors, governors other national dignitaries.  The Boys Choir’s first European Tour established international prominence in Paris, France and London, England. They received a superior rating during their first international music competition in the Bahamas.  They were also awarded first place in the Music Festival at Sea.

The West Louisville Girls Choir made its debut in November 2002. The choir is directed by Mrs. Mamie Bluitt who received her B.M.ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music. The Girls Choir is also a performing choir.  Some of its more notable performances are: Governor Patton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Frankfort, Kentucky, ECHO, Women for Women Conference, Pre-Show for the Nutcracker and at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The Girls Choir has also toured New York, Las Vegas, Nevada  and Los Angele, California. Their first Southwestern Tour to Texas was held in 2010.

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

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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