Happy New Year

Happy New Year from Brotha Ash Productions. We have a lot to celebrate as we close the 1st year of the launch of Pittsburgh's Black Entertainment community website.

In one year we have accomplished so much thanks to you (OUR BAP VIEWERS). As you know, we've been in business officially for 5 years, but only 1 year with an African American community website. We've had our ups and downs in this year, but the good out weighted the bad. Don't worry, WE AREN'T GOING ANYWHERE.

According to you, we are right on track and giving you want YOU WANT, and that is what counts. We have a lot in store for you as 2006 rolls around.

If you missed the Christmas show of a life time, it was history making of three of the worlds famous black jazz violinist together on one stage. The Urban Jazz Violin Players. Pittsburgh's own Rodney McCoy, Jerald Daemyon from Detroit with the hit Summer Madness and Michael Ward from New Orleans.

There were two shows, December 22- 23, 2005 at The Crawford Grill Station Square for two shows. Starting at 7:30pm and 10:30pm. It was live entertainment at its best, listening to original songs as well as old school hits. Brotha Ash Productions was in the house for the 1st show which was off the chain. Shoutouts to Rodney McCoy, Jerald Daemyon, all the band members, and of course the staff at the Crawford Grill on the Square for showing BAP much love.

NOW CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS RIGHT HERE!!!
Visit Rodney McCoy @ RodneyMcCoy.com
CONGRATS TO MIKE FLUWELLEN WHO IS OUR BAP TICKET WINNER to this event!!!

Black Nativity was held from December 2 - 18, 2005 and it was a major success. Oronde Sharif, Director, dancer, and who played the part of Joseph was extraordinary as he danced across the stage to the African drums. Tony Dixon played Joseph on alternate nights and he was also a principle dancer who was extraordinary. If you missed it, check it out next year because it tells the story of how of the Black Baby Jesus Christ was born in a way that is very uplifting and spiritual. It makes you very proud to be a part of the black race watching this fantastic show. Shoutouts to Oronde Sharif, Tony Dixon (my brotha), Monn Washington, Nathan James, and all who were involved with telling the story of the Black Baby Jesus.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS RIGHT HERE and check out what BAP viewers said"BLACK NATIVITY" MEANS TO THEM RIGHT HERE.

We had a "SOLD OUT" bus that took us to the Aqeduct Flea Market, China Town, Delancey, Manhattan (yes-the warehouses are open), and Harlem where we went to the famous soul food restaurant Sylvia's and ate some good ole home cooking. Brotha Ash Productions will only do 1 (one) turnaround trip a year, which will be our "Annual X-mas Trip. From now on we will only do weekend trips because it's more time to shop and more time to hang out see "The Big Apple" for what it is really is. Our next trip in slated for March and we will have details for you very soon.

In the meantime check out the photos from our Christmas Shopping trip RIGHT HERE!!!

The MAIN EVENT VOL 1...Michael vs. Prince was Saturday, December 3, 2005 @ The Shadow Lounge, 5972 Baum Blvd, East Liberty. If you missed it, maybe there will be another one next year. Everyone came out to support Michael Jackson or Prince. Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a MJ fan all the way. I give Prince his props for being a musical genius, but MJ is the world's greatest entertainer that will ever see in this lifetime. Okay, moving on - you had people wearing there favor artist on t-shirts and buttons. DJ Nate Da Phat was on the 1 and 2's spinning one hit after another. He played Prince, MJ and hits from other members of the Jackson crew. The crowd was hyped and it took us all back to a time when music was real. I give a big shout out to DJ Nate Da Phat for coming up with this event and for giving Brotha Ash Productions props at the event. Good lookin' out!!! Other shoutouts to all the old heads in the house, Justin, Deb Todd, K Neely, Beth, DJ's SMI, Selecta, MaddBuddha, Bus Pass, Supa C and everyone one that came out.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS RIGHT HERE!!!

Old School Kappa @ CJ's in the Strip District was FRIDAY, December 2, 2005. This event had wall to wall people and a line to get in. There were a lot of familiar faces in the crowd and everyone was having a great time. There was a $5 Donation to Benefit Alumni Chapter Community Programming Efforts and from 6pm - 9pm was the Kappa Konnections Networking. From 9pm - 2am was the Old School Kappa Set "In the Mix with DJ Sly Jock". Shoutouts to Grace Kizzie (my sista), DJ, Sly Jock, DeWitt, Lynne Hayes-Freeland, Daryl Wade, Shelley, and everyone who came out to celebrate and support. The Pittsburgh Alumni Chapter Kappas debuted their Crimson Jackets.

Pulse: Breath In Motion was an eye catching, spiritual, and uplifting event which featured works and performances by Choreographers Christopher Huggins (former principle dancer Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater), William McClellan (Dayton Contemporary Dance Company), Gary Harris (Dayton Contemporary Dance Company), Amamdou and Talise Campbell-Drame (Mali, West Africa), and other special guest artists. I have to give a BIG SHOUTOUT to Thomas Chapman for giving Brotha Ash Productions the invitation. Another shout out goes to my brotha Ben Fullard who rocked the drums and had the crowd hyped up. Other shout outs go to Master Drummer-Griot Medoune "Dame" Gueye (Senegal West Africa), Miguel Sague Jr. (Afro-Cuban Artist), Nate Da Phat, Nathan James, Dana (from Dana's Styling Salon) and everyone who is a part of The Pittsburgh Dance Essemble.

Ebenezer Baptist Churches gave a benefit concert for Hillcrest SDA Church, Calvary and Central Baptist Churches Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at Central Baptist Church. This event honored these three churches for their great works in helping out in time of need. Ebenezer burned to the ground last year and everyone came to support. Services are currently being held at Hillcrest and weddings and funerals are held at Calvary. Central's doors are always open to Ebenezer as well. The choirs from all three churches sang for the Lord and the pastors from Central and Hillcrest spoke at the event. Dr. J. Alfred Winsett thanked everyone from all the churches for there great works. The new home of Ebenezer is expected to be complete by May 2006. I am proud to to be a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Dr. Curtis R. Lewis, Sr and the C.R.L. Concert Chorale and Curtis E. Lewis, Jr & Friends performed in concert SATURDAY, November 26, 2005 @ 7pm at the First Church of God in Christ and HISTORY WAS MADE THIS EVENING. Dr. Lewis and Curtis Jr. sang for the Lord and everyone felt the spirit. Curtis Jr. has always been a FANTASTIC singer, but this evening he was definitely at the top of his game. He is one of the best male singers I've heard in quite a while. Dr. Curtis has a voice that is smooth as silk. The choirs were sharp as a razor and on point at all times. Three brothas in Christ, "The Three Wise Men" were great as they mimed for the Lord. My brotha Marlon T. Martin of MTM Enterprises hosted the event and I have to give a shout out to Reverend Corrie Lanier for the invitation. The concert was not about entertainment, but about praising the Lord. The event was definitely POWERFUL, and ANOINTED rendered by two of Pittsburgh's world renowned gospel recording artists!

“Budweiser and Crawford Grill on the Square presented STARBOUND: Pittsburgh's Next Rising Star, Saturday, November 19, 2005. It was an evening of entertainment in which 9 finalists competed. Sterling Copeland walked away with the GRAND PRIZE of having his own concert at the Grill and other prizes. Sterling has performed with Force MD's, The Intruders, and opened in Philadelphia for Neo Soul singer Jill Scott. We congratulate all the contestant who entered the competition. “Pittsburgh's R&B group CRAVE tour the house down with their medley of hits including the smash single, "REAL CHICKS" and Comedian David "FROG" Bey had everyone in stitches with his fantastic comedy. We give a special shout out to Rico Diaz (who produced the show), Dell Saunders (who entertained and was a major part of the production), and hostess Vicki Hill from 106.7 WAMO Gospel (who gave Brotha Ash Productions a great shout out).

Tim Stevens was excited about his debut performance with ‘THE TIM STEVENS PROJECT’ scheduled last Thursday, November 17, 2005. We all had a great time listening to the different styles of music. Tim performed some of his original compositions and recordings, as well as many jazz classics, and many of his pop and r&b favorites. He was joined by his longtime musical partner, one of Pittsburgh’s most gifted pianists and arrangers, Leonard Johnson, III. Tim and Leonard performed with the very gifted guitarist Luther DeJarnett, the excellent bassist Ronnie “Bass Man” Biggs, and the rhythmic sounds of drummer Fletcher Tomlin. They have been performing together for many years and looked forward to this very special evening of music.

DIATRIBE MAGAZINE & RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
presented....
The Pgh Hip Hop Film Festival: The Scene Not Heard

Hip Hop was represented to the fullest in the 'Burgh thanks to Diatribe Magazine and RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES. From November 16 - 20, 2005 there were a list of films to watch and after parties to go to. Hip Hop is definitely worldwide as we learned from watching different films that covered hip hop from Philadelphia all the way to Brazil.

Brotha Ash Productions gives a special shout out to Brentin Mock (Diatribe Magazine), Justin (The Shadow Lounge) and to everyone who came out to represent hip hop in the 'Burgh.

The B-PEP Community Forum - The State Of Our Pittsburgh Public Schools - Moving from COMPLAINT to POSSIBILITY was a major success. This was a chance for the community to speak directly to Pittsburgh School Board Members about the closings of schools and the affects it will have on our children. In attendance was Mark Brentley, Alex Matthews, Randall Taylor and School Board member-elected Thomas Sumpter. Tim Stevens also presented Pittsburgh School Member Alex Matthew with “THE THERMOSTAT FOR CHANGE” for his OUTSTANDING & DEDICATED SERVICE to the CHILDREN OF PITTSBURGH for Twelve Years as a member of the Pittsburgh School Board, including Three Years as its fair & honest President.

The New State of Black Pittsburgh Annual Conference: Empowering Economic Self-Reliance was Monday, October 31, 2005 from 7:30am-2:00pm at Carnegie Mellon University, University Center - 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. This year's Annual Conference featured a new format and focused on empowering economic self-reliance. Expert presenters educated attendees on some the most significant topics facing the community today. The morning plenary session featured Urban League President Esther L. Bush discussing the day's topics with key presenters. The State of Black Pittsubrgh Address described the status of African Americans in Pittsburgh. It also offered strategies to address issues and improve the entire community. In its eighth year as a forum, the Annual Conference is a closely watched indicator of the African American community's views.

The 17th Anniversary Harvest Celebration Dinner
A Benefit for Just Harvest
by Writer Ashley G. Woodson

This benefit took place at the Omni William Penn Hotel, Thursday, October 27, 2005. It was hosted by WTAE's Sports Reporter Andrew Stockey and a variety of organizations came out to support the cause. Media critic and writer Eric Alterman was the main speaker for this event and he delivered a powerful message. He is one of the most honest media critics around today. He talked about the act of penal prayer and how the purpose of prayer is to committ yourself in reconstruction. He spoke on many topics which included how people blame George Bush for the war more than they blame Saddam Hussein. "How can it happen that we all share the same values, and yet we have lost so much power?...read more

The late Rob Penny wrote a story about the community challenging the entrepreneurial and spiritual choices of a brash young man in the Hill District who is struggling for financial security and family stability. Directed by Dr. Vernell Lillie, the play ran from October 20 - November 5th, 2005 at the Kunte Repertory Theatre, 4227 Fifth Ave., Alumni Hall 7th floor Auditorium. The cast featured actors Ben Cain (Little Willie Armstrong Jones), Candice Smith (Estelle Crawford-Jones), Nathan James (Bones), Kevin Brown (Sakari), Linda Hunt (Mama), Kimberly A. Ginyard (Lola/Dancer), Shanae Sharon (Jean/Dancer), Donald E. Jones (Otis), Marcia L. Jones (Sally), Ben Blakey ("T" - Understudy Otis & Sakari), Aaliyah Habeeb (Theresa), Barbara Alexander (Understudy Mama/Sally Dancer), Arthur Petrochenko, Rebecca Lee Dennis (Dancers), Joslyn Sanders (The Woman), and Betty Pendleton (Extra). Everyone put 100% into this play and it was a major success. Photo by: Renee' B. Sorell

Even though it was cold and rainy, we march in protest Saturday, October 22, 2005 for the 10th National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and Criminalization of a Generation. Celeste Taylor of the B PEP (The Black Political Empowerment Project) and my sista in the struggle coordinated the march and protest. We marched in honor of motorist Jonny Gammage and other victims of police brutality. It was a legal PROTEST gathered at Freedom Corner (Centre Ave., & Crawford St.-Hill District) from 11-Noon and then we marched down to the County Courthouse, Downtown, Pittsburgh. Minister Jasiri X of the NOI-Nation of Islam, local activist and victim of police violence Cecelia Wheeler, Justin Krane from Pittsburgh Organizing Group, Thomas Merton Center Board President Pete Shell, Industrial Worker of the World member Kenneth Miller, Titus North-Green Party Candidate for Mayor, Celeste Taylor-Pittsburgh Oct. 22nd Coalition and Tim Stevens-B-PEP of The Black Political Empowerment spoke out about the injustices we continue to go through at the hands of the police. Everyone addressed how we need to get the bad police out because they do not deserve to be in uniform. Gospel/R&B Singer Brian Wright sang songs of praise and ended with Stevie Wonder's classic "Love's In Need Of Love Today". (thanks B-Wright)

Even though it was cloudy and rained a little, almost 20 different organizations participated in the 19th Annual Afro-American Heritage Day Parade, October 8, 2005. The parade began at the Mellon Arena to Ross Street to Fifth Avenue to Liberty Avenue to the Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel & Towers.

Our legendary hometown hero August Wilson, was laid to rest Saturday, October 8, 2005. Celebrities Charles S. Dutton, Phylicia Rashad, Anthony Chisholm (pictured with Brotha Ash), Ruben Santiago-Hudson, and Wynton Marsalis paid tribute to Wilson. City Councilman Sala Udin and others said remarks and Reverend Dr. Dwight D. Andrews officiated the service. Dr. Vernell Lillie and Eileen Morris of Kuntu Repertory Theatre and artists Nathan James and Erza Smith along with hundreds of others were also at the service to pay tribute to the great one. Wilson left us a legacy that will last forever. He completed a ten-play cycle that explores the heritage and experience of African-Americans, decade by decade, over the course of the twentieth century. To see everyone who came out to celebrate the life of August Wilson, CLICK HERE!

Royal Tribe Music presented...
The 1st Annual Live Old School R&B Funk Dance Benefit Concert and After Party

October 8, 2005 @ 7pm located @ Jimmy Tsang's Restaurant in Shadyside. Proceed benefited At-Risk Youth Engaged In the Performing Arts In Allegheny. A special shout out to Kent Bey for a job well done. Featured bands were - Smoke Band, Eviction Notice, and special guest bands. The After Party featured D.J.'s Spinning Old School Dance Hits - DJ Stylz, DJ Chris G, DJ Mad Buddha, DJ Kream, and special guest DJ. The event was hosted by DJ Stephan Chatman of WYEP 91.3FM and Esther Bush from The Urban League of Pittsburgh. Everyone came out to support this event. Donna Baxter-Hankins, CEO and founder of The Soul Pitt, Brotha Ash, Minister Jasiri X (Millions More Movement March), Young Democrat of PA William Anderson, and K Neely from KNeely Images and The New Pittsburgh Courier were all in the house to support this event. There were drink specials all night and a special Asian, and Soul Food menu. There were also raffle prize giveaways. The event is sponsored by Kashi Jewelers and was a great success.

For six years, Whiteside Road (a housing project in the Hill District), has celebrated four Community Day Events and 2 Annual Cabarets, which reunite everyone who has lived there at one time or another. This event was off the chain because people who did not live there showed up as well to party. Brotha Ash Productions gives a shout out to the committe members, Connie Mozee, William Tucker, Jackie Williams, Doris Hillard, Charlene Scott, Anna Hillard, Dolores Mozee, Clarence Battles, Rudy Mose, and Helen Frank for showing much love at the event.

The next reunion is Saturday, September 9, 2006 (location to be announced later).

Wednesday, October 5, 2005 at the Sheraton hotel in Station Square, Bill Neal, CEO of Champion Enterprises, held a Kickoff and Reception for the Pittsburgh Xplosion ABA Basketball Team. Everyone who was anyone was there. Former NFL football players Dwayne Woodruff and Louis Lipps, Radio Host Smokin Jim Frazier were in the house along with many former NBA players.

More details coming about Pittsburgh Xplosion soon, but for now check out pics, CLICK HERE!!!

We celebrated Young Democrat of America William Anderson's BIRTHDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2005 @ the Omni William Penn from 10pm-1:30. This was directly after the Democratic Committee meeting scheduled for that day, in which Governor Ed Rendell and other political figures were present. Brotha Ash Productions gives a shout out to Will Anderson, Troi Simpson, Kenny Jones, Tim Stevens, former Defensive Back Pittsburgh Steeler and Attorney Dwayne Woodruff, the Young Democrats of America, and all the B-PEPer's that came out to celebrate.

TUESDAY EVENING, September 20, 2005 @ CJ's IN THE STRIP DISTRICT was a very successful event that was Sponsered by CJ's, Ronnie Biggs & The American Red Cross. Monies were raised to support the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Everyone came out to support this cause. A BIG SHOUT OUT to Ronnie Biggs for putting this event together. Other shout outs to Tim Stevens who was the Master of Ceremonies and also to DJ Sly Jock for co-hosting the event, and to all the artists who were live on stage coming together in support of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. People gave from their hearts, and not from their heads. Proceeds went to the American Red Cross Katrina Relief Fund

by Kenneth Neely
Courier Staff Photographer
It’s nice to see our city come out and support those who were affected miles away by Hurricane Katrina. This night was about the musicians who performed free of charge to raise money for the victims of Katrina...read more

On September 20, 2005 the US Department of Health and Human Services will launched it's 4th Annual National 'Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day,’campaign. Although the name has changed, once again the focus of this campaign was on eliminating the health gap between racial and ethnic minorities and thegeneral population. Because the Center for Minority Health recognizes that far too many African Americans have no "medical home" or experience other challenges in accessing health care services, the Pittsburgh theme for this campaign was"Take a Health Professional to the People.” Teams of physicians, nurses, health educators and other public health professionals joined CMH in selected Pittsburgh barbershops and beauty salons, to provide life saving information, health screenings and mostimportantly building TRUSTING relationships with the community. Brotha Ash Productions was at "The Natural Choice Barbershop and Styling Salon" in Oakland were the event took place.

This event was held Sunday, September 18, 2005 sponsered by Nature LAB Community and music provided by Royal Tribe Music. People were encouraged to register to vote and learn about justice for all in our community. There were speakers, food, live entertainment, and a chance for the community of seekers, learners, and teachers to share the world as a classroom. Shout outs to Kent Bey, DJ Goodnight, Sal and the all the people that came out to make this event a success.

State Representative Jake Wheatley, Jr of the 19th Legislative District sponsored the 19th Legislative District Community Appreciation Day, Saturday, September 10, 2005 from 11am - 4pm. The event took place at Kennard Field located at Kirkpatrick & Reed Streets in the Hill District. The community was able to meet their state representative, play games and prizes, enjoy refreshments, live performances, vendors and have a great time at the drug-free and alcohol-free event. Brotha Ash Productions was representin' for the H.I.L.L.

Out&About...19th Legislative District Community Appreciation Day
by Kenneth Neely
Courier Staff Photographer
It’s always nice to cover the positive things that happen in our communities. One such event was the Community Appreciation Day at Kennard Field. It was a good time for all who came out....read more

Thanks to Butch's Styles & Cuts for helping sponsor "The 2nd Annual All Alumni for Brashear and 5th Avenue High School." Also thanks to the Brotha Ash Productions team, Deborah Stroman, RoSharon Taylor and Doug Smith. A special shout-out to Kneely from the New Pittsburgh Courier, "The One and Only DJ SLY JOCK", Comedians "Chris the Crowd Pleaser, Kevin Skinner, Bruce Jones and my dancers who tore up the floor with the shuffles. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THE ALUMNI FROM BOTH SCHOOLS. SEE YA NEXT YEAR!!!

by Kenneth Neely
New Pittsburgh Courier Staff Photographer
I didn't go to either Brashear or Fifth Avenue High School, but it didn't stop me from going to the 2nd Annual All Alumni Reunion.....read more

"Growing Pains" was an evening length one man show, September 2, 3, and 4th, 2005 @ the Kelly Strayhorne Theatre that told stories of triumph and tribulation amongst fictional male characters by examining the influence of BET, MTV, along with other mass media outlets and their influences over the way we view politics, each other, and most importantly ourselves. This show was so uplifting, educational, spiritual and fantastic that I had to see it twice. Nathan James is an artist that speaks from the soul and takes you on a journey that makes you proud of your black heritage. Support this brotha and his future endeavors because you will definitely feel better about yourself after the experience.

Curtis Lowry presented...
"The All New Terrace Village "2" 11th Annual Reunion"

August 20, 2005 @ The Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum, 7300 Frankstown Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 from: 7pm - 2am. Brotha Ash was in the house to meet with old friends, family, and interview the man himself, Curt Lowery to find out how this event evolved.

presented...
The 2nd Annual Community Festival
August 14, 2005 from 12noon to 6pm, which was sponsored by PNC Bank.

NO VIOLENCE, NO EXCUSES - WE ARE FAMILY
There where games, vendors, health screenings, bingo, madden tournament, food, live entertainment and fun for all ages. It was great to see all the people I grew up with at this great event. The H.I.L.L. definitely represented. The live entertainment was off the hook and Brotha Ash Productions has photos of this event.CLICK HERE.

Brotha Ash Productions thanks Director Eileen Morris , host Jonas Chaney and everyone involved in the show for the great time we had at this historical event. Honored where the stars of East Liberty such as Gene Kelly, Dakota Staton, Romare Bearden, Billy Eckstine, Patricia Prattis Jennings, Dick Powell, Fred Kelly, Billy Porter and Stanley Turrentine.

The show featured the artistic talents of Kevin Howard, Sandy Dowe, Lilly Abreu, Xpressions Dance Company, (my brotha) Tony Dixon, Greer Reed, comedians David Frog Bey and Wali Abdullah, the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company, Kevin Brown and Chuck Timbers with Kuntu Repertory Theatre, New Horizons Theatre, Deryck Tines Mitchell Gospel Choir, Mt. Ararat Men's Choir and the commerical and television star, Adam Wade from East Liberty.

Brotha Ash Productions has photos of this historic event CLICK HERE and for information on Director Eileen Morris CLICK HERE!!!

It's always good to go to Homewood every year and attend The Annual Harambee Ujima's Black Arts Festival. Brotha Ash wants to give a special shout out to the Harambee Ujima's Black Arts Festival Planning Committee, Sista Lawanda, Sista Nekoko, Brotha Bagumba, Brotha Turhan, Brotha George and Brotha Rick for showing much love at the event August 6, 2005. As usual their were arts and crafts for the kids, an animal show, great music, karate sessions, art show and more. Check out the PHOTOS here.

presented....
The 2nd ANNUAL BLACK FAMILY REUNION
A Community Festival Open To All
A PLEDGE FOR PEACE : SAFE PASSAGES THROUGH HEALTH AND WELLNESS
which was held August 6TH AND 7TH @ Mellon Park in Point Breeze. It was
a cultural experience for everyone. There was something for everyone. Vendors, Basketball Events,Performers,
Black business owners and more, all had a great time. Check out the PHOTOS here.

Distinctions Models presented their "Second Annual Summer Fashion Extravaganza" Summer Sensation and Cabaret and it was a great success. If you did not come out, you definitely missed out. The fashions from Michael Angelo's and other clothing lines were off the hook. This fashion show had it all. They went from one scene to another taking you from the board room to outer space.

After the fashion show, everyone tour up the dance floor and got their grooves on. Brotha Ash Productions would like to thank Tuarone Washington-Thomas, Jeanna McClain and Distinction Models for letting me do what I do best. Read about the fashion show in The New Pittsburgh Courier.

Being a native of Pittsburgh and the Hill District, it is always a pleasure to look forward to going to Wesley Center's Community Day. Reverend Grayson, who is the Senior Pastor of Wesley Center A.M.E. Zion Church held their 8th Annual Wesley Center Community Day, Saturday, July 16, 2005 at the corners of Francis Street and Centre Avenue. This year really did seem like a family reunion, because my whole family was in the house and had a great time. As usual, the choir lifted everyone's spirits up singing for the Lord, and the kids had a great time playing games and eating all the great food, while the adults praised the lord and had church outside. There was a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, which Chairpersons Chucky Franklin of Uptown Uptown Fashions and Fred Wilburn were in charge of and Brotha Ash Productions was in the house to take plenty of photos of this great event.

The E-Fest in East Liberty had a horrible ending Saturday evening with the fights and gunfire from teenagers, but before the violence we were all having a great time. The good news is no one was hurt. There were all types of entertainment, African Arts, black businesses, games for children, and great food. Crave, Liberation,and the Caution Crew just to name a few came out to represent. If there is an E-Fest next year, hopefully there will be a stronger police present for those who want to ruin it for everyone else.

I didn't know it was possible to feel 18 years old again. Saturday night, May 28, 2005 @ the Greater Pittsburgh, for a minute, it did happen. Those of you who went to the Fresh festival back in the 80's know what I'm talking about. Kurtis Blow, Special Ed, and my cousin, Pittsburgh's own Tuffy Tuff gave a great show that took everyone back to real hip-hop. Brotha Ash Productions gives their props to Salt Shaker and DJ Reese for letting a brotha come through to represent for the old school and for putting on a great event. There are so many peeps to shout out, so if I forget anyone, forgive a brotha. Shout outs to DJ Reese, Salt Shaker, Kurtis Blow, Special Ed, Tuffy Tuff, The Brashear Alumni crew, my friends from The Soul Pitt and Dana's Styling Salon, Big Joe, Adrian, Sharon, Rich, Tonya and to all the peeps that made it a great event.

Sunday, May 8, 2005 @ The Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum.
Brotha Ash, Kenneth Neely (New Pgh Courier), former Karoake King Jeff and former Karoake Queen Stephanie Colbert were the celebrity judges for this event. It was a great time for everyone and we give a special shout out to Karoake Mike, the winners of the contest, and everyone who came out. Now check out the photos RIGHT HERE.

THE GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY
WAS SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2005
IN THE HILL DISTRICT AT 11AM.
THE CONGREGATION MARCHED FROM CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH TO EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH

Out & About...2nd annual Uptown Uptown Cabaret Fashion Explosion - February 12, 2005

by K. Neely Courier Staff Photographer
Last year I was introduced to Chucky Franklin at the Uptown Uptown Fashion Show at the American Legion Post #5 in East Liberty.......I want to thank Chuck and Brotha Ash for the invite....read more

Check out the pics from The 2nd Annual Fashion Cabaret Explosion Photos by K.Neely: Courier Staff Photographer

by K. Neely Courier Staff Photographer Last year I was introduced to Chucky Franklin at the Uptown Uptown Fashion Show at the American Legion Post #5 in East Liberty.......I want to thank Chuck and Brotha Ash for the invite....read more

Check out the pics from The 2nd Annual Fashion Cabaret Explosion Photos by K.Neely: Courier Staff Photographer

by K. Neely Courier Staff Photographer
Last year I was introduced to Chucky Franklin at the Uptown Uptown Fashion Show at the American Legion Post #5 in East Liberty.......I want to thank Chuck and Brotha Ash for the invite....read more