GAY ACTOR & LGBT ADVOCATE ON CRUZ CONTROL

Wilson Cruz offers word of support to youth coming out to their parent at a CLAAD event.

Actor and LGBT advocate Wilson Cruz joined GLAAD's staff as the Strategic Giving Officer last month. He will help the esteemed organization build support within the community.

Here's what Cruz said:

"For more than two decades GLAAD has combatted anti-LGBT images in the media and changed the national conversation about LGBT people. Today, GLAAD is also using its media expertise to create a culture that is accepting and safe for all young people. From Spanish-language media to sports, Hollywood to the newsroom, GLAAD shares the stories and sparks the discussions that make the world a better place for LGBT people everywhere. I am proud and excited to grow this culture-changing work. ”

Seems like a solid choice for the job! Not to mention - extremely humble!

Here's what the GLAAD prez said:

"Throughout his career, Wilson Cruz has been a strong advocate for LGBT Americans. His work in film and television, as well as his commitment to supporting local and national LGBT organizations exemplifies GLAAD's mission to move LGBT equality forward."

Wilson Cruz, whose heritage is Puerto Rican, was born in New York City, the eldest of three brothers. Early on, his parents encouraged his interest in the theater. At age seven, Wilson began appearing in plays, among them "Cradle of Fire," "Supporting Cast," "Becoming Memories," and "The Roar of the Greasepaint...," as well as in a number of Shakespearean productions on both coasts. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Wilson also performed across the country with Young Americans, and has been featured in shows seen at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Sea World/Orlando.

When the young actor was 10, he moved with his family to San Bernadino, California, where he grew up. A graduate of Eisenhower High School, he attended California State University at San Bernadino, where he was pursuing a double major in theater and English before he joined the cast of "My So-Called Life." He plans on returning to college eventually. In the meantime, his acting career continues to flourish. He made his television debut in 1991 on the series, "Great Scott!," in the recurring role of Jonathan, an obnoxious choirboy. The role of Rickie Vasquez is his first as a series regular.

In his rare free time, Wilson finds relaxation in playing the saxophone. He likes to collect vintage black-and-white photos of actors, and admires the work of Tom Hanks and Robert De Niro. Does the handsome young actor think of himself as an Hispanic role model? "I don't know if I believe in role models," Wilson reflects. "We're all so different; we're all individuals. In the long run, that's what matters."

DJ ALMOND BROWN IS TAKING OVER Q THURSDAYS ON THE HILL

Thursdays will never be the same in Seattle! Just off the heels of their grande opening, Q Seattle's hottest new nightclub is launching "Special Q Thursdays" featuring one of Seattle's most up and coming producer/DJs Almond Brown. 

DJ Almond Brown, exceptionally well known in the Seattle music scene for his commitment to pumping out the hottest and most original house music sounds.  You can hear the dedication to the craft of making people lose their minds on the dance floor, if you've ever experienced a DJAB session.  His sets are an exercise in cross genre flexibility and harmony of funky, vocal and progressive house. When asked what inspires his creativity on he decks Almond Brown said, “It really depends on the crowd, mood, & energy."  There is something for everyone in his sets.

A musician since childhood, most Sunday mornings were spent in church, playing drums for the choir, and evenings listening to Earth, Wind, & Fire, Elton John, and the Ohio Players. Dj’ing for over 20 years, he is equally as comfortable singing, or in the studio writing & producing. As one of Seattle’s most sought after artists, Almond Brown is an advocate for creating a diverse community through sound.  Earlier this year he wrote and produced on "SKIN," a collaboration released for The SKIN project who's mission is to create Unity, Acceptance & Love in humanity.

BBINT Magazine caught up with the DJ earlier today and we wanted to know what he hopes to create with Q, " I'm committed to supporting Q in upholding a standard of music for the space that keeps people coming back and to maintaining music integrity that appropriately introduces and promotes sounds of artist past, present and up and coming."  "Tonight is going to be amazing and on this very special night I am happy to have my DJ friend and guest Karl Kamakahi with me," Almond Brown said.

As the excitement builds to Thursday nights launch, Almond Brown posted to his Facebook profile, "I have to say I have never experienced the kind of excitement that's happening around Q. The city's nightlife is BUZZING, people are talking, and helping to create this new culture around the club. I honestly don't think this means the demise of any venue. I see it simply bringing more people out, which feeds the overall attendance of not only Q, but venues folks may not have tried for a while. Again, so honored to be part of the Q family. See y'all tonight. I don't plan to be served...I WILL SERVE!"

Q is a state-of-the-art, 12,500 sq. ft. multilevel lounge and nightclub located in Seattle's vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood that will set a new standard for excellence by returning to the fundamentals of what makes a nightclub experience great: innovative interior design, groundbreaking sound and lighting, exceptional service, and our twist on specialty drinks and cocktails, including the club’s own signature line of infused and flavored vodkas.

Q will be open seven days a week, serving both as a lounge on weekdays and as a nightclub on weekends. No matter whether you are seeking a relaxed atmosphere after work or a fun night of dancing, you will be able find it at Q. Leave behind the hassles of the clubs in Belltown and Pioneer Square, and don't worry about the elitism and attitude found in so many upscale lounges – because at Q, everyone is welcome.

The space is designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, the AIA award-winning architects behind such projects as the iconic Apple Cube on New York’s Fifth Avenue, Pixar Studios Headquarters, and Seattle City Hall, to name a few.

In addition, Q has incorporated world-class audio-visual components as part of its overall design, providing the most memorable experience for our patrons possible. These include a sound system by Funktion One from England that's been designed by Sound Investment AV, and state of the art lighting design by Steve Lieberman of the award-winning SJ Lighting in Los Angeles.

Q is located at 1426 Broadway, Seattle, WA. | Find Q on facebook HERE.

 

The SKIN Project Launches in Atlanta, GA

The SKIN Project National Tour & Charitable Event will launch in Atlanta on Friday, August 24, 2012 at Opera Nightclub & Lounge, 1150 Crescent Avenue in Midtown starting promptly at 7 PM.

The SKIN Project‘s mission is to elevate awareness and support for community based causes that create Unity, Acceptance and Love in humanity. It was created by a community of people from various cultures and walks of life who came together to create a platform that radiates love and acceptance of others throughout the world without conditions.

The National Tour is scheduled for Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta. Each event will bring awareness to the foundation and ignite the SKIN movement worldwide. One of SKIN’s visions is to inspire participants to initiate events and chapters in their local and global communities.  This event is for the ENTIRE Human Family who supports inclusion, differences, acceptance and diversity; regardless of race, culture, religion, creed, non-belief, gender or sexual orientation.

The SKIN project launched a video campaign in July asking worldwide supporters to post videos in support of its global initiative of spreading the word and uniting through love. Supporters of the movement are ask to self identify and state, "this is my SKIN!" Launched at the AIDS 2012 conferences in Washington DC,  videos are starting to appear on youtube and is creating a stamp of visual diversity supporting the movement in the social media world.  It is said that production companies are coming together to create a documentary of the movement and will look at all areas of impact that SKIN is making.

The SKIN launch will feature a LIVE performance by Founder and renowned recording artist LaMont Wheat performing the official theme song of the Project, “SKIN”, with sounds by renowned DJ Scorpio. A portion of proceeds benefit The Atlanta Mission, who has been providing meals for more than 50 years.

Advanced tickets online are $15, $20 at the door.  To purchase your tickets in advance online, please visit: www.chriscolemanenterprises.com

You can also purchase in advance the official Theme Song & Single of The SKIN Project by LaMont Wheat , “SKIN” featuring Faith Micheals, online via iTunes, Amazon.com, and all online Music outlets worldwide.  The music production for SKIN, LaMont Wheat feat. Faith Michaels is also a contribution to the movement and was created by a network of writer and producer from around the world.

For more information about The SKIN Project, visit: www.theskinfoundation.org

STILL STANDING WORLD TOUR HIV/AIDS AWARENESS

Washington, D.C. July 23, 2012--International Recording Artist LaMont Wheat holds a press conference entitled “Still Standing” at the XIX International AIDS Conference on  at the Walter E. Johnson Convention Center in Washington D.C.   “Still Standing” is an international tour for a cause, to raise awareness around the world about the progress made, actions that still must be taken and the impact of HIV/AIDS as we turn the tide together in finding a cure. “Still Standing” the tour will feature activist and international recording LaMont Wheat and is created to generate awareness and funding for research and other HIV/AIDS related programs worldwide.   “Still Standing” represents the stand taken for more than 30 years of seeking a cure, educating the public and transmission prevention for a disease epidemic that has affected, infected and claimed lives worldwide.

“Still Standing” will have its launch this year at the XIX International Conference on AIDS with a live performance main stage on Wednesday, July 25th by recording artist and songwriter LaMont Wheat at 7pm in the Global Village.

Sponsorship and global support is encouraged.  To bring Still Standing to your city,
state or National AIDS conference contact the Dionne Boyd info@lamontwheat.com.

“Still Standing” is also a song created by LaMont Wheat as a tribute to World AIDS Day, and has been used to raise awareness of the disease. The XIX International AIDS Conference is July 22-27 at the Walter E. Johnson Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 and includes other speakers such as D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray and former President George W. Bush, Elton John, former President Bill Clinton, as well as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; Senators. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.); House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi; U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif.); former chief executive and current chairman of Microsoft Bill Gates; World Bank President Jim Yong Kim; UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe and many more.

Still Standing by LaMont Wheat released on Dec 1st 2011 as a tribute to
World AIDS and debuted in the Top 100 new R&B releases on iTunes for two days in
a row.

About LaMont Wheat:

LaMont Wheat is an LA based singer-songwriter, recording artist. Known for his catchy melodies and a reedy vocal reminiscent of a cross between Teddy Pendergrass and Luther Vandross with modern swagger, LaMont’s big voice is quickly gaining popularity. LaMont recently released his single “SKIN” a song promoting Unity, Acceptance and Love.

Media contact: Tracie G. (213) 268-2847 | Info@lamontwheat.com  

SKIN LaMont Wheat feat. Faith Michaels - Be FREE to Love

Singer, Songwriter and co-founder of BBINT Magazine, LaMont Wheat’s sophomore album may not hit stores until August 2012, but he's giving fans a sneak peek at what to expect from the highly anticipated release with global collaboration on his newest single, “SKIN” which features drag dance recording artist Faith Michaels. Co-written by Rique Patire with production by DJ Almond Brown, Joe Crugliano and DJ Scorpio, SKIN is an anthem that celebrates diversity, unity and acceptance. Click below to be FREE to live & love the SKIN you're in with the talented LaMont Wheat.  

SKIN | Be FREE to Love.

SKIN is one of the outcomes of a community project where individuals and groups have come together to fulfill on a commitment of creating Unity, Acceptance and Love as a humanitarian impact. Those who have worked on and been contribution to the project are as diverse as they come and you can hear the passion that each person brings to the song.  SKIN by LaMont Wheat featuring Faith Michaels began as an act of acceptance in a community that is very much segmented by race, preference and attitude and now raises awareness for communities, groups and individuals that we are all in this together. SKIN promotes self awareness and personal acceptance.  It's all about loving who you are, which in turn allows you to love others.

The project's mission has been to bring awareness to social injustice such as, inequality, bullying, discrimination, and other issues that have an adverse impact on the world, and consequently transforms the lives of those involved in the project as well as impact those who are affected everyday by such issues.


LaMont and Faith came together in Los Angeles to put final touches on the song which had it's live performance debut by the duo during the 2012 Winter Music Conference in Wilton Manors, Fl. LaMont said, "it was such an amazing experience to share the stage with such an awesome person.  Faith and I have become close since starting this journey together with SKIN and I think that the unity that we express is a true testament that diverse artist and individuals can work together and create a product that is positively impactful to many."   

Faith Michaels is an east coast based drag recording artist  who performs routinely at Aqua Night Club in Key West.  Faith has two other projects out, "Neva" and "Fetish" which was nominated and won a 2011 music video award in Germany.

LaMont Wheat is a Los Angeles based songwriter and international recording artist.   SKIN is a follow up release to the smash hit single "I've Got It" and “Still Standing”, a song of inspiration and hope to bring awareness to causes like HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, world hunger, autism, peace and other life causes we’re still standing for.  Along with SKIN, "Still Standing" has been selected to be performed main stage at the XIX International Conference on AIDS July 25^th in Washington DC.  “Still Standing” debuted in the Top 100 new R&B releases on iTunes in December 2011 following its release on World AIDS Day.

These two artists are dynamic in their contribution to the world of entertainment, community and humanity.  We expect their rise to the top to be exciting and inspiring.

SKIN releases May 29 for worldwide download and is already being added  by jocks to Pride festivals, mix shows and clubs . Tour and performance dates with LaMont and Faith to be announced. Link up with them on Facebook and Twitter for free downloads, pictures and more.

Photo Credit: Irving Images

Music Link

SKIN: http://amzn.to/LPZeP4 

For interview inquires or any questions, please contact Iconic PR:

Tracie Nicole

E: tracie.publicrelations@gmail.com

Bookings: Image Architects

Dionne Boyd

E: imagearchitects.boyd@gmail.com

Lady Gaga a "messenger of the devil"

Lady Gaga canceled her sold-out show in Indonesia after Islamist hard-liners threatened violence, claiming her sexy clothes and provocative dance moves would corrupt the youth. The controversy was a blow to the predominantly Muslim country's reputation for combining free speech and democracy with a mostly moderate brand of the faith.

Fans were devastated, despite the promoter's offer of full refunds. Some accused police -- who refused to issue a permit over concerns about security -- of buckling to the will of a small group of thugs.

The planned "Born This Way Ball" concert has been on-again-off-again from the start. But on Sunday, it was final, said Minola Sebayang, a lawyer for Big Daddy, the promoter of the June 3 show.

Lady Gaga's Tour Controversy Spark Billboard Chart Gain

"It's unfortunate," he said. "But with threats if the concert goes ahead, Lady Gaga's side is calling it off. This is not only about Lady Gaga's security, but extends to those who will be watching her."

Indonesia, a secular nation of 240 million, is often held up by the U.S. and others an example of how democracy and Islam and can coexist. In many ways they are right. Since emerging from dictatorship just over a decade ago, sweeping reforms have resulted in direct elections, while vastly improving human rights and freeing up the media. But a small extremist fringe has become more vocal -- and violent -- in recent years, attacking Christians and members of other religious minorities, transvestites, atheists and anyone else deemed "immoral."

The most notorious group, Islamic Defenders Front, called Lady Gaga a "messenger of the devil" and vowed to turn out at the airport by the thousands if she tried to step off the plane. Others said they bought tickets so they could wreak havoc from inside the 52,000-seat stadium in the capital, Jakarta.

Police responded by denying the necessary permits. Then, after public outcry, they said they'd reconsider -- but only if Lady Gaga agreed to tone down her act. Instead, she pulled the plug on what was supposed to be the biggest stop on her Asian tour.

Michael Rusli, head of Big Daddy, promised "Little Monster" fans full refunds. But that provided little consolation to people like 25-year-old Johnny Purba. "This only shows to the world how weak security forces are in this country, how police are afraid of a bunch of hard-liners," he said. "Gaga's two-hour show will not hurt Indonesian Muslims. For God's sake, she is not a terrorist!"

Around 50 others, dressed up like the pop diva, performed a mob flash dance at a shopping mall in the capital, Jakarta, to some of her biggest hits. Hard-liners, however, were ecstatic. "This is a victory for Indonesian Muslims," said Salim Alatas, one of the leaders of the Islamic Defenders Front, or FPI. "Thanks to God for protecting us from a kind of devil."

Earlier, Murhali Barda, a spokesman for the group, said supporters had purchased more than 150 tickets to the concert. He'd posted a picture on his Facebook page of a man hiding his identity with a turban and sunglasses and holding a $50 ticket to the "Ball."

"We have gotten Lady Gaga tickets," the caption said. "Not to watch but for us to enter." "Our target is to stop the concert," he wrote, providing little more detail. "We would force them off the stage but not harm the audience."

Beyonce Blows Whitney Houston Live

Beyoncé recently gave her first performance in over a year given an emotional tribute to Whitney Houston .

The singer took to the stage on Friday to begin the first of four dates at the Luxury Revel Resort & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, her first performances since giving birth to daughter Blue Ivy in January.
Jay-Z, was in attendance  jetting from overseas on his only day off between his Switzerland Watch The Throne stop on Thursday and the Denmark stop on Saturday. And even he was stanning for his wife tweeting:
“I’m gonna say this and then I’m gonna end mine. BEYONCE is the best performer in the world. Period.”
“B” also saluted Lauryn Hill (whose birthday was yesterday), and Donna Summer.
Beyoncé performed to over 5,500 people, including best friend Kelly Rowland, husband Jay-Z and Selita Ebanks.

Towards the end of her two and a half hour set, Beyoncé sung the intro verse of Whitney’s classic ‘I Will Always Love You,’ before launching into her own hit single ‘Halo.’ Beyoncé recently landed SIX nominations for the 2012 BET Awards including Video of the Year and Best Female R&B Artist!