The First Annual Sista Strut Breast Cancer Walk will take place Saturday, June 17th at XFINITY Live! Philadelphia, 201 North 17th Street. All the registration info and details are on the wdasfm.com page.
I’ll be hosting The Patty & The Millennials Live Mixer on June 7th at Warmdaddy’s. It will be our first social mixer based on our popular WDASFM.com web series. We’ll also be doing a Facebook Live. It’s all taking place Wednesday, June 7th beginning at 5pm at Warmdaddy’s, Columbus Blvd and Reed. Check out warmdaddys.com or my Patty Jackson Facebook page for more details.
Tiger Woods got arrested for Driving Under The Influence, but it’s not what you may think. When this story first broke out of the holiday weekend, sources and reporters claimed Woods was driving erratically, refused to take a breathalyzer, was arrogant toward officers and had alcohol on his breath. Woods released a statement apologizing, but claiming no drinking had been involved. It was true. No alcohol was found in Woods’ system. Woods blamed it on a bad reaction to prescription medication he’s been taking. The report showed he was asleep at the wheel, pulled over on the side of the road when cops found him. The cam video showed Woods appearing to be impaired. He was charged and will appear before a judge in July. Woods could face a few months in jail and hefty fines, but smart money says this will be pled out.
Thanks to racially motivated vandalism at his California home, NBA Champ Lebron James is focusing on his family’s welfare instead of only the NBA Finals. James’ home located in the suburbs of Los Angeles was vandalized, including spray painting the N-word on the property. James says he’s speaking publicly about it in the tradition of Emmett Till’s mom Mamie Till. Mrs. Till’s son was murdered in 1955 at the age of 14 by racists over a false accusation of making a pass at a white woman. Mrs. Till insisted there be an open casket so the world could see how her son was brutally tortured to death. James says he‘s speaking to his children about the country and the world they live in truthfully. James says that while he can put focus on the game, he’s of course concerned about his family. His message is that at the end of the day, it’s tough being black in America, even for a multiple NBA MVP and Champ. The Golden State Warriors and The Cleveland Cavaliers rematch for the NBA Finals’ title begins this week.
A tennis phenom is having a girl. Serena Williams and her fiancé Reddit Co-founder Alexis Ohanian are having a baby girl. Congrats to the happy couple. The baby is due this fall.
Meanwhile “my nephew” Comedian Kevin Hart has learned he’s having a boy with his wife Eniko Parrish. This will be the couple’s first child together. The comedian has a son and daughter from his first marriage. The baby is due this fall. Meanwhile, Hart’s coming to the Free Library in Philadelphia. Hart’s new book is called I Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons. He’ll be celebrating the book’s release at the Ben Franklin Parkway branch. It’s a ticketed event happening Wednesday, June 7th at 7:30pm. Tickets are available by logging on to freelibrary.org.
Speaking of Kevin Hart, the Philly native is on the covers of Variety and this month’s Essence magazines. For Essence, it’s their Men’s Issue with a Father’s Day theme. Plus, Philadelphia has declared that Kevin Hart Day in the city will happen Thursday, July 6th. Congrats Nephew!!!!
Is Bill Cosby mad at Al Sharpton, Eddie Murphy and Jessie Jackson? The legendary Philly born comedian will be heading to Montgomery County for his sexual assault trial. Cosby’s daughters Erinn and Ensa released audio statements to radio and TV in support of their father. They indicated they thought racism is motivating much of what’s happening. Cosby said it could be a factor, but he hasn’t heard from others outside his family with much support on that front. 30 years ago during the Tawana Brawley case, Cosby used his then Cosby Show popularity to bring attention and offer reward money. Brawley claimed to be physically and sexually assaulted in a racially motivated attack, but New York authorities declared Brawley’s claims a hoax. That was Al Sharpton’s case as the Reverend was supporting Tawana and the Brawley family. Cosby has appeared at numerous fundraisers for Jesse Jackson’s Operation Push, Breadbasket, The Rainbow Coalition and Jackson’s 80’s presidential run. Cosby had even made up with Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor following their famous feud in the 1980’s about Cosby calling Murphy too dirty and Murphy poking fun at Cosby in the concert film Raw. The three comedians got together with Redd Foxx, Sinbad and Sidney Poitier in 1990 to promote their films (Ghost Dad & Harlem Nights) and host a charity softball game. Now, there’s not a lot of talk from those same folks backing Cosby’s claim of possible racism. The comic legend turns 80 in July and could be doing that in prison if he’s convicted. Fellow legendary Comedian Dick Gregory has advocated that Cosby get a fair shake and let all the facts come out. Gregory has also cast doubt on how so many accusers met each other, and why can’t either a recent incident/accusation be pointed to or tell the public when did Cosby stop his alleged behavior. Gregory and Cosby have been friends over 50 years. Bill Cosby’s sexual assault criminal trial in Montgomery County, PA begins Monday, June 5th.
Former Cosby Kid Keisha Knight Pulliam wants the court to deduct money from ex-NFL Star and Real Housewives Of Atlanta Castmember Ed Hartwell. The couple had a whirlwind surprise marriage and divorce, and in between a baby girl. The former Cosby Show actress says the former baller has missed payments of child support. She also claims Hartwell has purposely delayed signing consent forms allowing her to travel outside of the country for career opportunities. Their marriage fell apart within a year amid accusations of infidelity and paternity test requests. Now, Pulliam reportedly wants the judge to consider deducting monies owed from Hartwell’s NFL pension as well as jail time until the child support is squared away.
Radio Personality Charlamagne Tha God of Power 99’s Breakfast Club, which airs Sunday mornings 8am to 11am, will be in Philly. Charlamagne has written the new book Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes To Those Who Create It. It’s a self improvement book aimed at the African American community. He’ll have a book signing event at The Barnes & Noble in Center City, 18th & Walnut. It all takes place Friday, June 9th at 6pm and for information call 215-665-0716.
Janet Jackson is coming to Netflix. The Control singer wants you to know what it feels like to be suddenly single, mount a world tour and be a brand new, first time Mommy. It’s a ten-part docu-series that will cover it all. The 51-year old singer/actress/dancer separated from her husband of three years, 42-year old Wissam Al Mana, months after welcoming their first child, son Eissa. Meanwhile, Janet’s The State Of The World tour will kick off in September with stops in Atlantic City (November 10th), Bethlehem, PA (November 11th) and Philly (November 13th). A dollar figure hasn’t come out yet, but rumor has it Jackson is in the big bucks range like Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock.
Tyler Perry will be back next Halloween with Madea. Perry made a splash with Boo: A Madea Halloween and scared up almost $75 million at the box office. Perry is prepping Boo II for next Halloween 2018.
MTV just made history with Ludacris. The rapper and actor, hot off his latest Fast & The Furious entry, The Fate Of The Furious, just made his hosting debut in the all-new Fear Factor. The former NBC show is now on MTV, and gave the music channel its highest premiere in the 18-34 demo in two years. Fear Factor airs Tuesdays at 10pm on MTV.
The cast of Underground (Aldis Hodge, Alano Miller, Amirah Vann and Aisha Hinds) got hit with the news….it’s been cancelled. The TV drama following slaves who escaped through the underground railroad, co-executive produced by Singer/Songwriter John Legend, will not return to the WGN America network for a third season. Network executives thanked all involved with the show, but said Underground no longer fits their new vision and direction.
The 42nd Annual Odunde celebration will take place Sunday, June 11th. This is the largest African American street festival in the country. This year features special honors to state Representative Jordan Harris, City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, and Mayor Jim Kenney, plus a special musical performance by Jalil and Ecstasy, formerly of Whodini. Odunde will take place on and in the vicinity of 23rd and South Street.
Mary J. Bilge and Boyz II Men hit the Ben Franklin Parkway. The Queen of Hip Hop Soul is headlining The Wawa Welcome America concert for the Fourth Of July. Native sons Boyz II Men will also be honored for the occasion. If you can’t get down there, it will be broadcast on NBC 10 on Tuesday, July 4th.
Patti LaBelle is on a roll with a new album and new book. The album is the Philly-born diva’s first jazz album, Bel Hommage. The album consists of jazz covers and is executive produced by her ex-husband Armstead Edwards and released on the new label she co-owns with her son Zuri Edwards, who is also LaBelle’s manager. LaBelle also just published her new cookbook Desserts LaBelle: Soulful Sweets To Sing About. LaBelle, a diabetic, says she also focuses on foods safe for diabetics in the book. The book and album, Bel Hommage, are available now.
Writer/Comedienne Leslie Jones will make her hosting debut on this summer’s BET Awards. Jones is a writer and cast member of Saturday Night Live. Beyonce, Bruno Mars, Chance The Rapper, Solange, and Migos top the nominees. The BET Awards air on BET Sunday, June 25th.
Issa Rae is set to return to HBO when Insecure’s second season begins July 23rd.
Set It Off Co-stars Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith reunite and are joined by Regina Hall (Scary Movie; Think Like A Man) and Actress/Comedienne Tiffany Haddish (The Carmichael Show; Real Husbands Of Hollywood) in the ultimate summer buddy picture Girls Trip. The four ladies leave their daily routines and their problems behind when they trek to New Orleans for the Essence Festival. The route to the festival is filled more than a few obstacles, but it’s all comedy. Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man; Undercover Brother) is directing and Kenya Barris (Black-ish; Girlfriends; Barbershop) and Tracy Oliver (The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl) are among the writers. Girls Trip opens Friday, July 21st.
Get ready for the Tupac Shakur life story on film called All Eyez On Me. After the blockbuster $200 million box office success of the N.W.A. bio-pic Straight Outta Compton, it was only a matter of time before one of the most iconic legends of West Coast hip hop would be covered. All Eyez On Me, taking its title from Shakur’s last studio album released before his death, has been filming for close to two years. The movie stars Raven Symone, Hill Harper, Annie Ilonzeh, Danai Gurira, Kat Graham as Jada Pinkett Smith, Jamal Woolard reprising his role as The Notorious BIG and Demetrius Shipp, Jr. as Tupac Shakur. All Eyez On Me opens June 16th, which would have been Shakur’s 46th birthday.
It’s Idris Elba versus Matthew McConaughey!! In the upcoming movie Dark Tower, Elba plays a gunslinger in a futuristic world who must stop his enemy, played by McConaughey, from destroying a mystical tower. That tower keeps the world from being overrun by uncontrollable evil. Along the way, Elba must mentor a young boy who proves helpful in the quest to preserve the tower. Dark Tower opens August 4th.
The Essence Of Entertainment returns to The Dell Music Center, 33rd & Ridge Avenue, for the summer of 2017. There'll be two movie nights featuring the films Sing and Moana with big screens and music by DJ Gary O. And, the lineup this summer is incredible. The new season of The Dell Music Center's Essence Of Entertainment 2017 kicks off Thursday, July 6th with all shows staring at 7pm:
July 6th - Johnny Gill, Jaheim & After 7
July 13th - Dramatics Featuring LJ Reynolds, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Intruders & Bloodstone
July 20th - KEM, Keke Wyatt & Lalah Hathaway
July 27th - Monica, Joe & Tank
Friday, July 28th - Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra & Philadanco
Saturday, July 29th- Patty Jackson's Party In The Park starring The O'Jays, The Whispers & Force MD's
August 3rd -Fantasia & Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds
August 10th - Erykah Badu & Ro James
August 17th - Sheila E, Dave Koz & Larry Graham
August 24th - Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
Real Housewives Of Atlanta Castmember Cynthia Bailey is on the cover of Upscale magazine’s June issue themed for summertime events and travel.
Dwayne “The Rock” is on the cover of the latest issue of G.Q. magazine, and his new movie Baywatch, based on the 90’s TV hit, is in theaters now.
The June issue of Ebony magazine features Chance The Rapper on the cover. It’s the Black Music Month issue.
Essence Magazine is gearing up for its 23rd Annual Essence Fest and The Hip Hop Queen Of Soul, A Legend and The Boss will be in the house! Yes! Mary J. Blige, John Legend and Motown Legend Miss Diana Ross will headline the now legendary festival. Chaka Khan, Philly’s own Jazmine Sullivan, India.Arie, Solange, Shirley Jones of The Jones Girls, Ro James, Tweet, Shaggy, Michel’le, Yuna and Lalah Hathaway will also be performing with more acts to come. The 2017 Essence Fest will be June 29th through July 2nd in New Orleans.
Check out who’s coming to town:
This Saturday, June 3rd – The Annual Roots' Picnic starring Pharrell, Solange, Lil Wayne, Jeezy and more at Festival Pier on Penns Landing and for tickets and information log onto rootspicnic.com
Saturday, June 17th - New York Kings Of Comedy concert starring Drew Fraser, Rob Stapleton, Capone, Talent and Mark Viera at The Liacouras Center on Temple University's campus, Broad & Montgomery and for tickets and information log onto liacourascenter.com
Saturday, June 24th – R Kelly in concert The BB&T Pavilion in Camden, NJ. Tickets are on sale now and for more information log onto ticketmaster.com
Saturday, July 8th – Charlie Wilson & Chante Moore at The Mann Center For The Performing Arts, 52nd & Parkside Avenue and for tickets and information log onto manncenter.org.
Sunday, July 16th – Jill Scott in concert at The Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City and for tickets and information log onto theborgata.com.
Saturday, July 29th – Diana Ross’ In The Name Of Love Tour at The Mann Center For The Performing Arts, 52nd & Parkside Avenue and for tickets and information log onto manncenter.org.
Tuesday, August 1st – Earth, Wind & Fire and CHIC featuring Nile Rodgers at The Wells Fargo Center. Tickets go on sale 10am Saturday, April 29th and for more information log onto wellsfargocenterphilly.com.
Sunday, August 13th – Kool & The Gang and The Commodores in concert at The Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City and for tickets and information log onto theborgata.com.
Wednesday, August 16th – The All The Hits Tour Starring Lionel Richie & Special Guest Star Mariah Carey at The Wells Fargo Center. This is the new date from the cancelled March concert. Tickets and information at wellsfargocenterphilly.com.
Friday, September 1st - The I Love The 90’s Tour: The Party Continues starring Blackstreet, TLC, Montell Jordan, Naughty By Nature, Biz Markie, Snap and C&C Music Factory at The BB&T Pavilion in Camden, NJ.
Saturday & Sunday September 2nd & 3rd – J. Cole and The Chainsmokers will headline Jay-Z and Live Nation’s Made In America concert. Solange, Pusha T, 21 Savage, Tiwa Savage, Ari Lennox and DMX are also on the bill. The two day concert festival will take place on the Ben Franklin Parkway Labor Day Weekend. Go to madeinamericafest.com for tickets and information.
Tuesday, October 10th – Bruno Mars in concert at The Wells Fargo Center. For tickets or for more information log onto wellsfargocenterphilly.com.
Friday, November 10th – Janet Jackson at The Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For tickets or for more information log onto boardwalkhall.box-officetickets.com.
Saturday, November 11th – Janet Jackson at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center. For tickets or for more information log onto sandsbethlehememovementseventcenter.ticketoffics.com
Monday, November 13th – Janet Jackson at The Wells Fargo Center. For tickets or for more information log onto wellsfargocenterphilly.com.
Friday, December 1st – Sinbad comedy show at The Keswick Theater in Glenside, Pa. and for more information log onto keswicktheatre.com
If you would like more info please email me at pattyj1053@aol.com or Pattyjackson@clearchannel.comor check me out with my midday reports at 10:35am, 12:35pm and 2:35pm during the day.