The 2014 NAACP Theatre Festival will take place September 12th­ - 14th, at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center located at 4718 West Washington Blvd in Los Angeles California. The week-long festival consists of 10­Minute Plays, acting and dancing workshops, as well as networking opportunities with some of the industries most talented entertainers.

This year the NAACP and its partners Wells Fargo, The City of Los Angeles and Rent-­A­-Center will kick off the 2014 NAACP Theatre Festival week with an Opening Night VIP Reception to be held on Friday, September 12, 2014. Opening night will feature the return of first ­time playwright Kinnik Sky's Award Winning Play "Sunday Mourning". "Sunday Mourning" garnered seven nominations and three NAACP Theatre Award wins in 2012. To purchase tickets for "Sunday Mourning", please visit www.KinnikSky.com.

Renown Theatre, Television and Film Actor, Carl Gilliard known for his television roles in sitcoms such as "Freddie", "Barbershop" and "Family Matters", Tammy Townsend starring in the 2015 Disney release "K.C. Undercover" with Zendaya and Kadeem Hardison and Actor, Curator and Producer, Terrell Tilford known for the role of Dr. Barton Shelby on "The Young and the Restless", will host the 2014 NAACP production of 10 Minute Plays taking place Saturday, September 13th and Sunday, September 14th. Attendees can expect two ­days of short entertainment plays that will cover a variety of genres including comedy, drama, action, and other focuses.

In addition to viewing plays, patrons will have the opportunity to attend free acting and dancing workshops, panel discussions and stage readings. The workshops are designed for novice actors, playwrights and those looking to network within the industry. Workshops include but are not limited to "How to Produce a One Person Play" (moderated by stage and film actress Iona Morris), "So You Want To Be an Actor, Writer, Stuntperson or All of the Above and More: What do you do Now?" (moderated by veteran actress Patricia Belcher who can currently be seen on the TV Series "Bones and Partners"), and "Actors Equity on Stage" (moderated by actor and producer Kim Estes). A special "Access to Capital" workshop will be led by Wells Fargo’s Professional Bankers Team, who will lend their expert professional advice for starting your own business, growing your existing business or seeking project funding.Attendees can expect to enjoy 10 ­Minute Play performances by Sakinah Lestage (choreographer for Taylor Swift, Austin Mahone), Terrell Tilford (Single Ladies), Roger Guenveur Smith (American Gangster), Ted Lange (The Love Boat), Dan Martin (The Bold and The Beautiful), Phil Morris (Love That Girl, Boondocks), Gil Smith (music director for Lil Wayne, Faith Evans) and many more.

A complete line­up of Workshops/Moderators, 10-­Minute Play Performances, dates and times are listed on the NAACP Theatre Awards & Festival website www.naacptheatreawards.com.

All workshops are free and 10 ­Minute Play tickets can be purchased through the Ebony Repertory Theater Box Office for $10 per day or $15 for a two­-day pass. The Nate Holden Performing Arts Center Box Office is open off­-season Monday to Friday from 11am to 5 p.m., to order please call 323-964-9766, or visit www.ebonyrep.org.

The mission of the NAACP Theatre Festival is to create a platform for a diversity of new works and theatre artists to highlight their talents as well as inspire creativity and encourage learning skills while being entertained. Some of the top professionals in the entertainment industry will be on hand to educate and share their knowledge while others will come simply to entertain.

Over the past five years, the NAACP Theatre Festival has proven to be a significant contributor in building the Los Angeles Arts communities and crossing bridges in the relatively tight ­knit but expansive world of Theatre. For artists of color, this Festival provides a cultural landscape for them to highlight their creative expression as well as theatrical performances while producing workshops involving collaborations with Theatre Groups from home and abroad, building essential skills and sharing experiences. The Festival is a great networking tool.

Sunday morning was tense across America as churchgoers sought to balance their faith with the friction in Ferguson. Many Pastors rose to the arduous task of comforting the hurting hearts as many reflected back to last summer. As the sub-conscious cries of "not again" ring out, Pastors are faced with again comforting laity with scripture. Pastor Bryan L. Carter of Concord Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas did a remarkable job doing just that on yesterday.

Pastor Carter taught from Mark 4 where Jesus calms the storm saying: "Peace, Be Still". Pastor Carter so eloquently explained that Ferguson is in crisis, a storm. He also explained to congregants in each service (8am, 10am and 12pm) that the local church is the hope of the world and should lead the charge for reconciliation. In touch with the storm at home, Pastor Carter noted the striking similarities between Ferguson and Dallas. Injustice across America hadn't overshadowed the tragedies here at home. Carter referenced Ferguson, Dallas, New York City and countless other cities in America.

In his 30 minute message, Carter challenged Concord Dallas to build bridges, engage people who are different than them and build lasting relationships with them. He also challenged the members and visitors to prioritize education in their respective communities. Citing disturbing details from within the Dallas ISD, he issued the challenge to also raise the value of education. Educational opportunities have been lost due to the alarming rate of teen parenthood and Pastor Carter also challenged parents to raise the bar for parenting.

Quoting Proverbs 22:6, Pastor Carter reassured parents that they are needed and are vital. He conceded that teen parenting has ripped the core out our communities and the community hasn't done enough to reduce fatherlessness. He encouraged all in attendance not to devalue the 'daddy factor'. Providing eye opening statistics, Carter also referenced those who are without their fathers.

For this, he celebrated Paul, a great mentor. From this point in the message, Pastor Carter outlined the importance of genuine mentorship. In order for the next generation to achieve its purpose, mentorship is imperative. He said of Paul: "He pulled something out of Timothy that Timothy didn't know he had in him." The older generation has a responsibility to reach back and help the next generation, not just sit back and wait for it to happen.

The trends among young people in this current society are disturbing indeed but the savior has rebuked the wind and seas that threaten the community. The disciples asked Jesus: "...careth not that we perish?" Equipped with the power of the risen Christ, Pastor Carter issued these points for calming the storms raging in communities worldwide:

1. Get involved in mentoring
   
2. Watch the news, but through the lens of your Christian faith
   
3. Know that the Lord wants to use you in your community

Standing behind his own words, Pastor Carter and Concord Dallas have risen to the challenge. Next week, Concord will celebrate its "Back to School Sunday". In attendance for next week's services will be 12 mentoring agencies from across Dallas. Pastor Carter, a successful Pastor, effective leader and successor savant intimated that the true success of a church is measured solely by its presence in the community and in an effort to prevent any tragedies akin to Ferguson, Concord is stepping up in the community saying "Peace Be Still".

Click here to watch the sermon in its entirety

Anthony Brown & group therAPy lent their voices as  the headliner for the 18th Annual National Minority Donor Awareness Week Gospel Program.  Nearly 2,000 attendees filled the Church of Christian Compassion in Philadelphia, PA this past Sunday to support the organization's effort to increase awareness of the need for minority organ and tissue donations.

Participants were treated to a free gospel concert as well as the opportunity to increase their knowledge about the importance of this initiative.  

During the event, Anthony Brown spoke about the importance of organization's such as the Gift of Life Donor program stating: "A very wise man once told me that businesses like this...places like this are an extension of God's healing hand."

Lisa Knowles & The Brown Singers are one of the most exciting vocal groups in gospel music today.  For over forty years the Memphis-based quartet group has given us classic gospel songs and hits including “Work On Me”, “I Need You Lord Jesus” and “Zion”. The ladies are now heating up Gospel radio with their new single “God Do It” that’s been getting heavy airplay on gospel radio formats over the last year.  “God Do It” has recently tipped the MediaBase Top 30 and BDS Top 40 Charts.  Lisa Knowles and The Brown Singers are also enjoying new successes with their Billboard Chart Topping CD release THE EVOLUTION CONTINUES which debuted at #10.  

The Brown Singers stem from a gifted pedigree of gospel music family heritage.  The group was started in the 1970’s by Willie Mae Richmond (Brown) and performed for about a decade when Richmond’s granddaughter, Lisa Knowles, joined the group while she was only in the 5th grade.  Knowles’ electrifying enthusiasm and passionate vocal expression helped distinguish the Brown Singers from other vocal groups with their infusion of contemporary arrangements to their traditional quartet down home sound. 

THE EVOLUTION CONTINUES today with Lisa still holding as the front woman for The Brown Singers.  The equally powerful voices making up the dynamic group are Jackienna Richmond, Rachel Anderson, Sierra Ward Pope and Vanessa Knowles.  The ladies will be making an appearance on the new season of BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel this fall and continue to tour heavily and carry on the rich tradition of women in Gospel Quartet music.  You can see the ladies this summer in a city near you and find THE EVOLUTION CONTINUES on iTunes and atWalmart.  Lisa will also present her annual conference The Evolution of Quartet in Memphis on October 18.

Oxygen Media and AMC Theatres are giving fans an advance screening of the season two premiere of the hit docu-series "Preachers of L.A." on Tuesday, August 12 at 7 PM exclusively at select AMC locations. A full week before the show premieres, screenings will be open to the public and held simultaneously at AMC locations in Atlanta, Houston, Washington DC, Dallas and Tampa. The cast will make special appearances in Atlanta and Dallas for exclusive Q&A sessions with the audience. 

The highly anticipated series gives viewers a candid and revealing look at six boldly different, world-renowned mega-pastors in Southern California: Bishop Noel Jones, Minister Deitrick Haddon, Bishop Clarence McClendon, Pastor Jay Haizlip, Pastor Wayne Chaney, and Bishop Ron Gibson. Season Two premieres on Wednesday, August 20 at 10 PM ET/PT on Oxygen.

"Preachers of L.A." is full of self-discovery and change with growing families and ministries, incredible women of strength beside the preachers, and ever-changing relationships. On the season premiere, the preachers meet at Bishop Jones home to begin planning an outreach event that will positively impact the community of Los Angeles. Sparks fly when Pastor Jay confronts Deitrick about Dominique's hidden pregnancy during their wedding. 

Bishop Ron clashes with Bishop Noel about Loretta's involvement in the event and their relationship status. Meanwhile, Loretta herself faces off with First Lady LaVette at Dominique's Sip N See. Will the preachers be able to put their differences aside and come together to plan this impactful event?

In addition, Oxygen will air four "Preachers of L.A." after-show specials beginning Wednesday, August 27 at 11 PM ET/PT. Hosted by network personality Susie Castillo and relationship expert Paul Brunson, the cast will open up about love, relationships, faith, family, and compromise as they go in-depth on some of the most talked-about controversial topics of the season. Oxygen invites fans to ask the preachers questions via Twitter or Instagram video throughout season two and throughout the after-shows. 

Questions with hashtag #AskAPreacher will be pulled into a dedicated section on Oxygen.com(http://www.oxygen.com/shows/preachers-of-la), where fans may read submitted questions, submit their own, and watch videos of the preachers' answers. Some questions from fans will air on TV during Oxygen's "Preachers of L.A." after-shows.

The "Preachers of L.A." screening is free and open to the public. Fans can RSVP by visiting http://www.preachersoflatour.com/ and select the "RSVP NOW" button to choose a city and reserve seats. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis.

Contemporary Gospel Artist Theresa Pinkney has been singing Gospel music all her life but she didn’t catch the attention of the Gospel music industry until she dropped her debut solo effort, Me Against The World.  The Gifts Of The Spirit Music CD release launched Theresa’s career and netted her the #1 song on Christian Jukebox Radio, the bouncy and inspirational track, “Count It All Joy”.  Now the award-winning songstress is back with a brand new single, “You Are” and its complementary concept music video.  In addition to the release of the music video, Pinkney is also having the song serviced to Gospel radio stations. Penned by the singer herself and Indigo Inspires, the up-tempo track is one of many uplifting cuts on the project.
 
Shot on the shores of Solomon Island, Maryland, the music video showcases Pinkney singing about all the Lord is to her.  Through thoughtful lyrics sung directly to God, there’s no doubt what He means to her.  She’s thrilled about the new song and the new music video.  She shares, "I am excited about my first music video. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share and I thank God for this journey.  I am looking forward to whatever is in God's plan. I pray the song and the video bless His people."  
 
A resident of the Washington, DC area, Theresa Pinkney attended the renowned arts academy, Duke Ellington School of the Arts.  Before launching out as a solo artist, she was a member of two Gospel ensembles, Just Breathe and Pastor Earl Miller & Purity.  Known for her sweet spirit and stunning soprano voice, Pinkney’s debut CD, Me Against The World, has been embraced by the Gospel music industry with the lead single, “Count It All Joy”, hitting multiple charts including the UK Soul Chart and the top of CJBRadio.com Chart.  She’s been featured in Gospel Today Magazine, on Atlanta Live and other media outlets.  For more information on Theresa Pinkney, log on to www.TheresaPinkney.com.

The Maestro's back and class is in session! Quennel Gaskin is back in Brooklyn for another Master Class. The piano/organ virtuoso will be at the Full Gospel Assembly this Saturday at 9 am EST for the latest installment of his anointed teaching. Gaskin has inspired musicians all over the world and with each stop imparts inspiring wisdom to each attendee. 

Gaskin's lightning fast processing of musical information sets him apart and he's always armed with some YouTube clip worthy runs and chords. 

To sign up for the Master Class, click this link.

Gaskin's music has been featured on the SMG website and is in heavy rotation on SoulProsper Radio. His "Cut a Rug" Single got high marks from Fred and SoulProsper Radio. At the close of MegaFest last year, "Thankful Praise" was featured on the recap page. Gaskin is prayerful that his music moves into terrestrial radio, SoulProsper Radio is committed to helping make that happen. 

In the meantime, Gaskin is finishing up the full project and touring the country hosting Master Classes. He remains in high demand and his spirit of excellence through humility is sure to keep him busy! 

This Saturday from 9am-Noon, be a part of the Master Class with Quennel Gaskin and learn from one of this generation's absolute BEST!

Dr. Judith Christie McAllister, International Minister of Music and President, along with the entire constituency of the International Music Department, Church Of God In Christ, are saddened to learn of the passing of Gospel Music community icon, Al "The Bishop' Hobbs.

An ardent encourager, wellspring of knowledge, and beloved radio veteran, Hobbs will be long remembered and celebrated for his trailblazing efforts in the gospel music industry, specifically in Gospel radio. He was a singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and humanitarian who will be sorely missed by scores of individuals for his indelible impact.

The Gospel Announcers Guild, Gospel Music Workshop of America, and the Gospel music community at large has suffered a tremendous loss in the passing of Al Hobbs. May God grant strength peace and comfort to his family, friends, and all those who will cherish his memory and legacy. Our prayers are with you. -COGIC IMD

At this year's GMA Dove Awards, the Prayzefest Gospel Network will host its 4th Annual Prayer Breakfast. At this year's breakfast, you can expect an artist showcase along with a phenomenal kickoff to an amazing day wrapping up with the awards show. 

Pastor T and the PG Network remain dedicated to increasing visibility for indie artists all over the world. This year's initiative has the groundbreaking network partnering up with other networks to increase the indie voice in mainstream music. 

For more details and to R.S.V.P. for the Prayer Breakfast, please visit the Prayzefest Gospel Network website. 

The 2014 PrayzeFactor Awards are set for this year in Stockbridge,GA. One of the foremost awards in independent gospel music, the Prayzefactor has successfully been a launch pad for numerous gospel artists. Names like Donald Malloy and Stephen B. Steward are 'alumni' of the awards and are currently enjoying major success. As his debut album was released, Steward celebrated time on the Billboard charts. 

The award show will feature all genres and voting is currently open. This year was a banner year for Fred and SoulProsper Radio which celebrated its first solo nomination as Programmer of the Year.

Stay tuned for more details as they become available. PrayzeFactor gets bigger by the day and is definitely on the GROW!