Russell Simmons' Annual Art for Life Gala at his East Hampton, New York estate keeps getting better
By Florence Anthony
With all the turmoil surrounding the Jackson Family over the past two weeks, I finally heard from my dear friend LaToya. She sent me a text last Thursday saying: "I'm okay now that she's back. So sorry it had to come to this! Thanks for asking." I had sent her a text asking if she was okay since I hadn't heard from her since all the hoopla started. It's obvious from her text that she didn't know where her mother was either. Meanwhile, despite LaToya's mom, Katherine and her grandchildren, Prince, Paris and Blanket Jackson, attending the Jackson's Unity Tour in Saratoga, New York last weekend, Michael Jackson's Estate Attorney, Howard Weitzman, has banned Jermaine Jackson from entering Katherine's home in Calabasas, California. Weitzman's letter reads: "Given the circumstances of the last two weeks, and in order to protect the children and Mrs. Jackson, the executors believe it would not be appropriate to allow the following individuals to enter the residence or its' grounds and we instruct security to preclude the following from entering the residence or grounds: Randy Jackson and any of his children, Janet Jackson, Rebbie Jackson and any of her children, Jermaine Jackson, his wife, and any of his children.
Russell Simmons' Annual Art for Life Gala at his East Hampton, New York estate keeps getting better and better. Once again, I was the guest of Cadillac and drove a 2013 Cadillac XTS to the event and tooled around the Hamptons in it all weekend. My hostesses Laura Toole and Jocelyn Allen from GM Diversity treated me and six fellow journalists to a luxurious weekend that included dinner at B.Smith, brunch at Page and a lovely time on the American Hotel's porch in South Hampton. Art For Life raised $2 million to send children to art classes and camps. Tyler Perry Studios donated $100,000 to the cause. My most special moment of the evening was meeting Trayvon Martin's mother Sybrina Fulton and giving her a hug.
Hot Pop singer Kande', a newcomer on the music scene, is making a lot of noise around the Big Apple. Not only is she becoming a hot commodity on film sets around the city, but she will be making a return appearance at Iguana on August 11, singing familiar tunes as well as melodious original music. Showtime is at 7. Iguana is located on W. 54th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenues. Find out more about Kande' at www,kandesofficial.com.
On July 30, "Love & Hip Hop Atlanta" cast members Joseline, Stevie J, K. Michelle and Scrappy along with "Love & Hip Hop Atlanta" executive producer Mona Scott Young, kicked off their week in New York City at a press reception at Griffin in the Meatpacking District. Sponsored by Bartenura Wines and Ciroc, the private event featured an episode screening and a candid Q&A that featured comments like Joseline saying: "I do whatever my daddy (Stevie J) tells me to do." The full cast taped the reunion show on July 31.
Nationally syndicated radio host Tom Joyner will be the featured speaker at the Radio Show Luncheon, held Friday, September 21. The luncheon, sponsored by Katz Media Group, will take place during the 2012 Radio Show, jointly produced by the National Association Of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), September 19-21 in Dallas.
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