Keep A Child Alive hosted by Alicia Keys!!!

On  November 7th at the Hammerstein Ballroom, 'The Black Ball 10 Years Anniversary Gala' brought out the support of many philanthropists consisting of high profile celebrities and upper echelon media.

The entrance was filled with various facets of multimedia displaying excitement and gratitude to be in the presence of this phenomenal event where tickets were priced from $5000+  with 100% of the proceeds donated to a very worthy cause.

Taken from the Press Release of 'Keep A Child Alive Charity':

ABOUT KEEP A CHILD ALIVE
Keep a Child Alive, co-founded by Alicia Keys and Leigh Blake in 2003, provides AIDS
treatment, support, nutrition and love to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa
and India. Over 30 million people have died from AIDS worldwide and it is estimated that a
staggering 15 million children have been orphaned by the AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa
alone. Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment can transform the lives of people with AIDS, returning
them to health from illness. However, millions of people still don’t have access to treatment,
including 72% of the children who need it for their survival. Keep a Child Alive funds more than
just the pills necessary to fight HIV/AIDS by providing the necessary nutrition and support to
ensure the treatment is taken properly and is effective, particularly for children. Keep a Child
Alive currently provides funding to eight clinical and orphan care sites in five countries: India,
Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda; with previous projects in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali,
Zimbabwe and South Africa that have been successfully scaled up to new levels of service and
sustainability within their communities.

For more information on Keep a Child Alive, please go to:

 www.keepachildalive.org
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Now let's get into some pictures!

Photo Credits: Karen London. All rights reserved.

Alicia Keys (Actor/Singer) with Donny Lemos (Director of Haute Design Network)

Swizz Beatz
(Recording Artist)

Padma Lakshmi

(Model/Actor)

Yes, she also hosts 'Top Chef'!

Steve Stoute

(Author/Artist Manager)

  

Steve Van Zandt (Musician) and his wife Maureen

Jeanette Jenkins
(Celebrity Fitness Trainer)

Pharrell Williams (Singer) with event security team

 Priyanka Chopra
(Actor)

Kick4Life Fall Gala on October 29th hosted by Tyson Beckford!

Upon early arrival, at the new upscale lounge, Suite 36, the glamorous ambiance projected an energy that foretold a truly fabulous event!  The audience consisted of high profile celebrities and philanthropists equally passionate about contributing to the cause where 100% of all proceeds were donated to the Kick4Life charity.

Jeni Ayling, PR coordinator  did a phenomenal job organizing this gala!

Taken from Kick4Life's press release:

"Kick4Life (K4L) is an award-winning charity which uses the power of soccer and sport to transform the lives of orphans and vulnerable children in Lesotho, Southern Africa. Lesotho has the third highest HIV prevalence in the world and more than 100,000 children have been orphaned by the disease. Since 2007, K4L has worked with more than 25,000 young people through sports-based health education, HIV testing, life-skills development, mentoring and volunteering. As hosts of the Lesotho Football for Hope Centre in Maseru, K4L is committed to empowering young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to build a better future for themselves and for their country.

As part of Kick4Life's effort to raise funds for Lesotho, the charity also run tours for vulnerable youth in New York, giving them the chance to experience a new culture and contribute towards the organization's life-saving work in Africa."

 For more info feel free to go to:  www.kick4life.org

Now let's get you caught up on the experience!

Photo/Video Credits: Karen London. All rights reserved.

VERY yummy appetizers by Ayza's Wine and Chocolate Bar. 

On the left is the fountain where continuous delicious chocolate flowed.

This delectable treat nicely enhanced the flavors of everything on the table. 

Can you believe that they did NOT run out of this?!?!? 

This is the Kick4Life table displaying FAQs info on the charity.

That's me striking a pose for y'all.  Muah! :-*

(Stylist: Maxine C. London)

Red Bull Soccer Players, Andre Akpan (Left) and Markus Holgersson (Right)

Natascha Bessez
 (International recording artist)

Contemporary African dance troupe Nyane Khosi

They were seriously jammin throughout the whole area! Talk about interactive!

Electric "Violin Diva", Sarina Suno

She truly rocked the house that night!

Yup, that's Tyson Beckford preparing to host the event!

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(Supermodel, judge on Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model and host of Make Me a Supermodel)
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Current Projects:

*** Beckford Bar (Click here to find out how it helps him stay in optimal shape!) ***

Kick4Life

Oog Magazine

Ralph Lauren

 Upcoming Movie, "Addicted" (2014)

(Based on a novel by Zane)

Tyson introducing Kick4Life graduate, Rose, now in college majoring in International Relations.

Congratulations, Miss Lady! :)

Check out the cool and quick video clips!!!

Tyson begins the intro!

 Click to hear where he grew up and the sport he was involved in!

Sarina's violin performance was fierce! Fierce! Fierce!

Click to see how live this party was! Experience the experience!

That's Tyson and me.  I like the way this picture came out. :-) 

He is genuinely down to earth, very intelligent and extremely positive which is truly cool!

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Stay tuned to this site, TheVenueReport.blogspot.com, for updates on his future projects.

Mr. Vegas Album Listening Party!

The Mr. Vegas album listening party event was scheduled from 6:30-11pm. on September 23rd.  At first, it was like being at an after work lounge on a holiday. Lol!

At 8:30pm, THAT'S when all the fun began!  In walked prominent business owners, photographers and media all obviously enjoying themselves and taking in the 2 for 1 drink specials that featured various customized cocktails.

The pictures below will give you an idea of the eclectic vibe of the venue itself along with a very rare MUST SEE video of Mr. Vegas which was the highlight of this event!

Photo/Video Credits: Karen London. All rights reserved.

Nice side view of the bar.  Note: This was earlier before 8pm.

The desserts on the tray were so yummy, people were claiming them! Lol!

Mr. Vegas in rare form right here!

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Did you know that this 17 year veteran actually retired from the entertainment industry?

What pulled him back into the game?  Watch this short interview to find out!

Barrington White

Co-Owner of Magnet Sports & Entertainment Lounge

 At this point, the venue was chill so I had to do the same.  This came out nice, right? :-)

Boardwalk Empire featured at The Urbanworld 2013 Film Festival!

The Urbanworld Film Festival was an impressive collaboration of independent films with participating actors ranging from new to seasoned which began on September 19th and ended on September 22nd.  I had scheduling conflicts during that time but was able to go to the September 21st event held at The AMC Theater on 34th Street.

It was a very humbling experience being in the midst of it all.  The celebrities as well as the media were so cordial, it was like being at a friend's party.  Lol!
As you read further, you will see photos of this venue.  One of the highlights of the evening was the screening of 'Boardwalk Empire: Season 4.'
I highly recommend that you get caught up on previous episodes because you will be missing out on some serious entertainment if you don't.  Now let's all get ready! ;-)

As I headed towards the 4th floor press area, guess who held the elevator for me as I walked in? Larenz Tate named as this year's Urbanworld Festival Ambassador! He starred in a film by BET Networks called, 'Gun Hill' which premiered on Friday, Sept. 20th!  He came out on Saturday to show his continuing support. Cool, right?

Photo/Video Credits: Karen London. All rights reserved.

The Urbanworld red carpet area on the 4th floor.

Michael K. Williams & Jeffrey Wright 

Co-starring in HBO's 'Boardwalk Empire' as characters,

 'Chalky White' and  'Dr. Valentin Narcisse.'

Margot Bingham

New role in 'Boardwalk Empire: Season 4' as the character

'Daugher Maitland' 

In this season, she will be acting AND singing some beautiful 1920's jazz!

Hmmm.. What's Jeffrey and Margot in deep thought about? This is the special area screening of 

'Boardwalk Empire: Season 4'

My seat was the reserved one behind him.

Jeffrey Wright, Margot Bingham, Michael K. Williams

Very cool Q&A session post 'Boardwalk Empire: Season 4' screening.

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The following videos are based on the Q&A question:  What was your breakout role?

You'd be surprised of the many challenges successful actors have gone through prior to getting starring roles. These short 2-3 minute videos will give you a inside view of that:

Margot Bingham

Jeffrey Wright

I simply had to get this pic in. Margot appreciates Jazz as much as I do and is a very cool person as well. :)

Fashion Bloc Pre Fashion Week Kickoff!

Creativity combined with ambition was demonstrated at this event on September 4th. The ambiance was very 'chill' with a refreshingly relaxed atmosphere as the caterers kept the food and beverages flowing.  Believe it or not, it was held at Holy Apostle Church located at 296 9th Ave. NYC.  How event coordinator, Butterfly Tia was able to make this happen was the mysterious question of the evening.  Lol!

Scroll a little further to get an inside view of the venue along with chic nouveau designs from Marsha Williams, E Jaguar Beckford and 5 year old Deysha Nelson!

   Photo credits: Karen London.  All rights reserved

Nicely packed. Isn't it?  The guests and media were eagerly awaiting the fashion show to begin!


Scenes from the fashion show below:

 
Deysha Nelson, Fashion Designer.

At 5 years old, Deysha has already achieved high fashion status.

Here she is modeling a beautiful ensemble that she created.

The adorable models below are wearing just a few of her many designs.

Deysha's Models

 

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Jaguar Beckford, CEO of Jaguar and Company Clothier

Jaguar's designs encourages the wearer to be comfortable casual and chic in any situation.

The models below deliver the idea that you have the ability to express yourself and look good doing it!

Jag's Models

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Marsha Williams (center) with 2 of her models.

Marsha Williams, CEO of CHI CHI VOGUE

Marsha's designs simply bring out the 'swag' in the wearer.

Her models can't help but feel beautiful and sexy in her creations.

If you're looking to make an entrance to a soiree' that screams 'Look At ME!!'  then look no further.

Marsha's Models

 Celebrity Designers & Business Owners and Surprise Guests!

Native, is one of the CEOs of The Dessert Stylist
TheDessertStylist.com
She kept those deliciously rich treats flowing all evening! Yum!

Fashion Designer, Robert Morales

Recording Artist, Brittany Smooch

Fashion Model, Brooklyn Hopkins

 Fashion Model and Songwriter, Dion Art with Celebrity Shoe Stylist, Un (CEO of Uncuttink)

One of the Hip-Hop pioneers, Roxanne Shante' 
{Instagram: ImRoxanneShante}
Latest project: New York City Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes
September 28th, 8am Check in
9:30am warm up/10am Start 
Location: Brookfield Place Plaza in Battery Park City, NY 10001
Admission: Free, Open to everyone that wants to come out and support!!

As a old school Hip-Hop fan, I had to get a picture in! ;-)

Nascar Drivers, Eric LeBron (plaid shirt) and his brother, Enico LeBron (dark coral shirt) chillin' with their friend Josh Berdecia and Eric's girlfriend, Kristen Incle

Personal Trainer and Fitness Model, Ricardo Morales
and his wife Tiasha,  (CEO of BodyCandeez Boutique: www.bodycandeez.bigcartel.com)

Lexx Perry,  Celebrity Accessories Designer
www.lexxperry.com

Brandon Atherley, Celebrity Fashion Designer
www.brandonatherley.com


Danyell Nelson, CEO of Gotta Strut Boutique

www.gottastrut.com

Pilar Scratch, Celebrity Wardrobe Stylist

Marsha Williams with Fashion Bloc's Event Coordinator, Butterfly Tia

You know I simply can not resist a photo opp. ;-)