Tis the Season! Alice@Large & Romo Entertainment Give Back!

Give Back! Happy Holidays!

It's been a tradition of Alice@Large Events/Entertainment & Romo Entertainment to give back! This year alongside R&B Singer/Songwriter/Host we did just that! For Thanksgiving we gave away Turkeys to families in need and also to a few lucky fans who came out to support Romonta!

http://romonta7.com/

You can catch Romonta and his awesome band at VA Live 3376 Military Hwy! Show starts at 7pm!

For the Christmas Season we are collecting Toys For Tots! In addition, Alice@Large Events will be giving away cute Christmas Cookie Kits! It's always been a tradition to bake in my house hold! Thought I'd pass that on!  

Alice@Large Christmas Cookie Kits

Join us Wednesdays at VA Live!

Hot Spot: PUR LUX Lounge with Grammy Nominated Artist & Actor Mack Wilds

Grammy Nominated Artist & Actor Mack Wilds.

Always in search of the next HOT SPOT; my Alice@Large adventures brought me to PUR LUX Lounge, located in Newport News, Virginia! In addition, Grammy Nominated Artist and Actor Mack Wilds was also in town, so you know my goal was trying to find out some scoop on his rise from Staten Island to Hollywood!

Performing "Own It" at PUR LUX Lounge

Pur Lux Loung Newport News, VA 

Well it's safe to say, that he is one talented and focused young man! What astonishes me is his ability to cross so many borders at a young age! Very impressive! Let me give you a little list of where you many know him from? Most notable for work on "The Wire" & "90210" (definitely post code envy!) He has also appeared on "Cold Case" and "Law & Order."  "Half Nelson" was Mack's film debut, but my favorite role thus far has to be Lt. Ray Gannon, from "Red Tails."  A true story about the Tuskegee Airmen. I was honored to meet a few, so this role hit close to home for me!  George Lucas invested 58 million of his own money to bring this American story to life! Nice!

So, Yeah. About those power moves! Of course the next phase would be music? Which he has already shown to be a contender!  For his debut album "New York: A Love Story" Mack received a Grammy Nomination for  "Best Urban Contemporary Album." I was lucky enough to witness his live performance at PUR LUX Lounge, the boy's got lungs! Right before he hit the stage, we had a little small talk about his visit to Virginia and the possibility of going to Japan!  "I cannot wait to go! I am very excited!"  My response, was "Well, looks like there definitely is a tour in order!" He was in great spirits  and had a very personable air about him! Very sweet! Nothing but big smiles as he hugged and took pictures with fans. Although I didn't get to pick his brain, I was very happy to meet such a grounded, down to earth, talented young man! Very polite and very well mannered! Very much a cutie as well!

Mack Wilds you better work! You better "Own It!" I will for sure keep him on my radar as we hit Grammy Season in a few weeks!

A Night of Soul Featuring Noel Gourdin, Romonta & John Michaels

Ladies love LL? Well, ladies love R&B too, and there were plenty in the building! Last night I had the pleasure of interviewing  R&B Crooner Noel Gourdin at VA LIVE for the Night of Soul Concert! The place was packed and ready for the sweet sounds of The Chuuch Band, 757 native Romonta & headliner Noel. 

Noel Gourdin Night of Soul at VA LIVE.

Born in Boston. Bred in Mississippi. Off top, that instantly makes for interesting influences coming up! He mentioned Sam Cooke a few times, and I immediately sensed that in him. His style was very Sam Cooke, dressed in a sharp suit, very chic, very retro! He began sharing his amazing journey!  As we got into the music, I told him this would not be a Noel Gourdin interview without talking about "The River." "The River" from his first album "After My Time" put him on the map! Why was the song so infectious? "Because there is something in it for everyone, and it came from real life experiences."

Noel Gourdin, John Michaels, Romonta, Brittany Hayden. 

No stranger to opening up about real experiences, we discussed a brief dark period he went through.  I admire Gourdin's ability to be so open! We talked about his deep depression after the Sony shake up that caused him to be with out a label. Made him question his ability.  "I kept the Faith!" Well...as Faith would have it, he has now graduated to his sophomore project and even gave us the insight on new Christmas music coming out! (Keep your eyes and ears open!) I can't wait to share his rendition of the album titled Fresh: The Definition. He joked that he would sue me, if I used his new word that described the feel of this album, so, I'll just wait for you to hear it on the video! 

Alice@Large covering the Night of Soul Concert. 

Noel was so kind, very laid back, very down to earth, very handsome and very real! His set, even better! He knocked out a few classic soul hits such as "Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay" and "Let's Get it On" by Marvin Gaye. Even threw a little Usher in the mix. His voice was soulful, raw and honest! Loved his live show, and look forward to seeing where he goes in his career!

 I did address a rumor! Nothing to make the tabloids, as I told him (He looked worried at first!) There is a buzz going around about new music in January 2014!  "Yes, Yes, & Yes!" said Noel.  In the mean time, he says fans can reach him on all social sites and at www.noelgourdin.com! I truly think I have met one of the great ones.  There is so much more to Mr. Noel,  I cannot wait to share the full interview! It's time for our real musicians to come back on the scene.  I don't know about you, but I'm starting with him! This is definatley "His Time." 

Join Romonta Wednesdays at VA LIVE for the best in live entertainment!

 Sharing a few pictures from the Night Of Soul Concert! Enjoy!

Keeping true to ladies night, in attendance were the beautiful hard bodies of the Men with a Cause Breast Cancer Calendar Models.  Proceeds from the calendar go directly to Breast Cancer organizations in the United States! Noel Gourdin recently worked with the Susan G. Komen organization raising money for the cause in honor to two aunts diagnosed.

Men With A Cause Breast Cancer Calendar Models.

Special Thanks to www.tmbmakeupartistry.com/!

Valecia J, Josselyn Best & Brittany Hayden. 

Jason from Men with A Cause & Noel Gourdin.

Members of The Chuuch Band getting groovy!

Glammed up by: http://www.tmbmakeupartistry.com/

Throwback Thursday! Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012 My NY Adventure!

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2013 just wrapped up! Due to air in December! Last year I had the honor of covering the event as a Guest Reporter for FOX International Channels Japan & FOX Backstage Pass! A dream gig!

Ready to tackle the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012 PINK Carpet 

Two lucky ladies from Tokyo won a trip to New York City that included a make-over, tickets to the show and a chance to meet their favorite Angel with me!

Interviewing Angel Miranda Kerr for FOX Japan

Us media & press folks had our chance to interview the Angels during their Hair & Make-Up Session! Talk about fast pace! There were cameras flashing, a billion reporters lined up with their questions and mics! Make-Up brushes and lip gloss everywhere! Models, Make Up Artists & Hair Stylists galore! So many Angels wrapped in their signature pink satin robes, milling about, eating, laughing, lounging.   My mind is literally in heaven! We had about 20 minutes, to get as many interviews with the Super models. Oh, about 25 other media outlets are in the same predicament. You can image the tug of war!

Alesandria & the 2.5 Million Dollar Bra.

My first interview was with Illinois native Erin Heatheton, who dated everyone's favorite bachelor, Gatsby star Leonardo Di Caprio. She was such an American Beauty!  I shared that we were born in  the same state, and that she has come along way from being a Vikings Basketball player in High School. After a chuckle,  she shared what it feels like to gear up for probably the most famous runway show! She was cooler than a fan, really. Laid back and super nice!

Waiting right behind Inside Edition for my turn with Miranda Kerr!

My favorite interview was with the super gorgeous Miranda Kerr! She was literally getting her hair rolled, and done while we talked. She shared her "Secret" & what prep work goes into the big dance! We also talked about her new Organic skin care line KORA that recently launched in Japan. She was gracious enough to meet the lucky winners. Of course we caught it all on film! She was amazing! True beauty! Weird how both our now NOT with their significant others.  If you didn't know, she gave birth last year to a beautiful baby boy with hubby Orlando Bloom. Another True beauty!  Off topic. That bejeweled 2.5 Million dollar bra! AMAZE! I was scared to look at it. Its super powers mesmerize you! Angel Alessandria donned the spectacular set! Werk honey!

I really wanted one of these!!! 

 We were in the middle of like the worst winter storm, right after Sandy. That didn't stop us from toughing it out for the Pink Carpet! Seeing RihRih, Justin B, Bruno Mars and few other super stars, made it worth while! Rih rocked the house by the way! Loved her performances and she got cheeky with the models! I was side by side with E! Next to one of my favorite TV personalities Alicia Quarles and AJ, former BET fame. That alone, had me on cloud nine! There were so many parts of this trip that really, were moments I took in and will cherish for the rest of my life!  Check out the FOX Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012 special below!

View beautiful NY by way of FOX Japan & my clips with the gorgeous gals on the FOX Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012 Special here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7_pTAjalUM&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLjV2ufx5xAAMZ_UijpjgRqnxeIMkJkVW4

View behind the runways pictures on my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alicesidaii/media_set?set=a.10151281272326539.512262.627421538&type=1

Hair Stylist: Kemar Jones Hair Jones Celebrity Salon

Stepping For The Cure! Breast Cancer Awareness Event Featuring Joselyn Best & Soulful Soundz!

https://www.facebook.com/events/161805484014806/

October is Breast Cancer Awarenss Month! So why not "Step For The Cure!" Soul Line Dancing for a great cause! Funds raised will benefit:

http://www.beyondboobs.org/

Enjoy a live set from powerful Singer/Songewriter Joselyn Best as she debuts songs from her new album! The show starts at 7! The Stepping For the Cure Line Dances start at 8!

http://joselynbest.com/

 For every person in attendance, Sponsors: Platform Shoes, Hampton Roads Skills Center, Seven Magazine, Paragon Printing & Beach City Customs Shop will donate $1.00! That's $1.00 per supporter in the house! Together we fight the disease! Together we save lives!

We want to see all Supporters, Survivors & Steppers! Lets come together for one night & honor our fallen sisters and lift up our survivors! 

Adding to the fun-get a chance to win these: 1Hour Photoshoot, Treats from Heavenly Eats & Sweets, Seven Cities Dance Studio Package, Make Up Session from TheMakeUpBaby13, Organo Gold Coffee Basket, Breast Cancer Designer Bag from Beijo & It Works Global Wraps Basket! Just to name a few!

We will be giving away all kinds of "Pink" fun! Gift baskets, Coupons, you name it! 

Looking to be a sponsor & for more information please email me at Aliceatlargeevents@gmail.com!

http://themakeupbaby.blogspot.com

Not able to attend! You can still be apart of the event and make a contribution to Beyond Boobs! Purchase a Steppin' For the Cure Tee and proceeds will go directly to Beyond Boobs!

Visit the site below for details and order yours today!

 http://www.booster.com/steppinladies

Culture Club: African Landing Day; Honoring the Truth!

"If the Atlantic were to dry up, it would reveal a scattered pathway of bones, African bones,
marking the various routes of the Middle Passage" Dr. John Henrik Clarke

Elder Blessing & Welcome Native Tribute

Spiritual Sunday, came on a Tuesday for me. The weather was warm, the sun kissed, the beach calm.  I was honored to bear witness to the 2nd Annual African Landing Day "Ritual of Remembrance" Event. August 20th, has been officially proclaimed by the City of Hampton, as the day we remember our ancestors who lost lives and endured 246 years of bondage. I am sure the beach was far from a welcoming sight that fateful day in the summer of August 1619.  

"Opening Of The Way" 

African Landing Day commemorates the first ship of enslaved Africans who came ashore at Point Comfort. Unbeknownst to them, these human beings who arrived on English Territory-North American would go on to lead to the beginning of the institution of Slavery. Our ancestors from Angola, Africa would eventually go on to help build this place we call the United States. 

With the aroma of burning sage and inscent in the air, the event started off as tradition would have it with the "Drum Call to The Ancestors."  We marched behind the beat of beautiful African drums, from the Seashore to the Gazebo. We were then officially welcomed by Chadra Pittman Walke Founder/Executive Director of the Sankofa Projects, with an "Elder Blessing" from Dr. Dawson, who's young age of 91 had everyone up

Sage to represent our ancestors ashes. 

in cheers! The "Opening of the Way" came from Priestess Auset, Priest Khepra and a dear friend of mine Priestess Amani. 


We then witness a traditional dance by the Ubuntu Dance Collective Childrens group! Adorable! In addition to the many special dedications, one of the highlights for me, was to hear Mr. Calvin Pearson, Founder of Project 1619, Inc., speak.  He told the story of what some historians fail to revive. He told our truth. I was instantly intrigued. I yearned to learn more of this truth....

Mr. Calvin Pearson, Founder of Projects 1619 Inc. 

"In May of 1619, the Sao Joao Bautista started loading 350 Africans who had been captured from the Ndongo region of Angola.....The Bautista was attacked by two ships, The Treasure and The White Lion.  Sailors from the White Lion boarded the Bautista looking for gold and sliver. When they opened the cargo hole all they saw were Black faces staring at them. They were not equipped to take on human cargo because they did not have room or food...So the White Lion split up the 60 or so of the healthiest Africans with the Treasure and headed to Virginia. In August of 1619, John Rolfe, widower of Pocohantas, was at Point Comfort on this fateful day and he wrote in his diary "About the latter end of August, a Dutch man of Warr of the burden of 160 tons arrived at Point Comfort, Commanders name was Capt Jope.  He brought not anything but 20 and odd Negroes."  In the memoires of Capt. John Colyn Jopne, captian of the White Lion, he wrote in his journal that he unloaded 20 and odd Negroes at Point Comfort..." 

"Drum Call To The Ancestors"

Excerpt from the African Landing Day Commemoration Symposium 2013 by Mr. Pearson. 

He went on to say that those "20 or so" Africans were traded for a bushel of corn.  

Members of the Angolan Embassy joined this special occasion and were welcome by the City of Hampton. At this point, I was almost in tears. Wow. Full Circle.

"Drum Call To The Ancestors" walk from the seasore. 

At the conclusion of the event, I can tell you one thing, we had a "Higher Power" amongst us! Proof of the full moon that lit our path to the ocean. We were given a longstem white carnation to represent those we lost and our ancestors.  As the drums played, we were lead to the seashore, some marching, many dancing, everyone smiling! I took a deep breath, with a prayer and kiss to the carnation, I tossed mine into the ocean. To see the love, honor, and joy on everyone faces as they tossed their carnations....priceless. 



I left feeling so full of life, history and with such appreciation for all of those that came before us. I felt enlightened. So much pride in knowing that, our strength, really, really, comes from somewhere. Our strength came from those who shed blood, sweat and tears, as they fought for humanity. Those who shed blood, sweat and tears, so that we can have the rights we do today. 

Efforts are being made to build a monument in honor of the arrival of the Africans at Fort Monroe. For more information please visit: www.project1619.org. 

Temple of the True Living Waters

"The Forest of Family Trees" Ms. Maat Free, Guardian of Ancestral Remembrance

Let's continue to encourage our beautiful youth! They will shine bright in our future! 

"Ritual of Remembrance" 

Continential Park Gazebo,
National Monument of Fort Monroe, Hampton, Virginia

The City of Hampton welcoming members of the Angolan Embassy. 

Priestess Auset & Priestess Amani 

What a gorgeous full moon! The Carnations in the silky ocean against the moonlight,  breath taking!

No Malice Preaches to Us in "Hear Ye Him"

No Malice "Hear Ye Him" 

Alice@Large

I commend anyone who rises against the grain. I commend anyone who has the ability to speak their truth. I commend those brave enough to take on the world, and I did just that during my interview with Grammy Nominated Artist No Malice of famous hip hop/brother duo The Clipse, native of Hampton Roads, Virginia.  I was honored to cover the "Hear Ye Him" Album Listening Party.  As soon as the guest of honor arrived he literally shook everyones hand....right then and there, I knew this was going to be something special.  I was ready to tackle the questions everyone wanted the answers to....What happened?

Creme Boutique 321 W. 21st Ghent, Norfolk VA

The backdrop couldn't have been better. Located at Pusha T's Clothing, Shoes & Accesories boutique Creme in the heart of Ghent, Norfolk, Virginia, on a beautiful crisp Thursday evening.  The "Hear Ye Him" listenting event featured many of 757 favorite faces and "Who's Who" of Hampton Roads. So much so, there was a line outside of the store as fans poured in to hear what the once hailed "Malicious One" had to say about his newfound "Faith". I cannot wait to share the footage!

TheMakeUpBaby13, Ms. Neka and No Malice's son Marcus on set!

Before we talked Music, I wanted to know about the Man. I asked him why sharing his story in "Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind & Naked" was so imperative. We discussed the turning point for him as he gears towards "faith based" music and why he believes in the message.  I asked him when "Lord Willin'" hit #1 on the Billboard Charts, did he think his life would ever take all these twists and turns?

No Malice giving a shout out to Alice@Large! I spy my pink shoes!

Then came the music! First and foremost--his song with Pusha T "Shame The Devil".  I asked about the concept and how it was working again with his brother, as fans have anticipated new sounds from the pair.  "Everyone wanted us to be like a 'Cain & Abel', it's not like that" said No Malice, adding a litte chuckle. "We have the same Mother, Father, Siblings...we are Brothers!"  I told him this song really "KILLS ALL NOISE" the media tried to drum up about an aparent "Beef" between the two.  He reassured, "There is none".

Producers of lead single "Hear Ye Him" & Bury That"
-fellas of Profound Sound!

We then discussed our mutual friend & 757 legend Jon Bibbs,  featured on this song "Bury That" produced by Profound Sound.  Bibbs attended one of Alice@Large Events fundraising affairs for individuals, families & children infected with HIV/AIDS in our community. Stellar and super talented guy! I cannot wait to share the footage of what the "ReBirthed" rapper had to say about putting his old lifestyle to rest.  At the conclusion of our interview I asked him when all is said and done, and there is nothing out there but your legend or message, what do you want to leave behind....his answer "Jesus Christ".  His album debuts August 18th, and I guarantee, the buzz is going to be on a "Higher Level".

Lady C aka Cymandye made this all happen! Great Job!!!

Shout out to Cymandye and her team, including No Malice's son Marcus,  for putting together an awesome event! I mean the love and the support? Down right amazing! Special shout out to: Pure Brilliance, Creme Boutique, TheMakeUpBaby13, Alice@Large Entertainment Staff, Beach City Customs, Monster Energy Drink, Z104, HipHopSince1987, Play Clothes, REinvision Films and everyone else in attendance to support our very own "Hero!"

757 Legend DJ Jack of Spades

Discussing "Hear Ye Him" with one of the producers. 

Asian Persuasion with Ms. Cat Robinson!

Creme Boutique 321 W. 21st Street, Ghent, Norfolk, VA

Creme Boutique 321 W. 21st Street, Ghent, Norfolk, VA

Mr. Tyku himself! Lynx! 

Shout out to Pure Briliance for awesome production work! 

No Malice giving an "Alice@Large" Shout out! 

Shout out to another talented guy Keno Beats!

Stay tuned for the awesome interview via Alice@Large Youtube! By the way-HIP HOP, yeah, it lives alright...just have to open your eyes, heart, mind, spirit and soul!