Alice@Glam: Black & Yellow Project Photoshoot

 

Black and Yellow Project Photographer Walter Lewis Jr.

 

I have known Walter Lewis Jr. for awhile, via social media. Our common denominator? Being half Black and Half Asian! Walter has been traveling the world due to his career with the military, snapping photo's of all the Blasians, that come across his way!

 

He hopes to publish the pictures, as he shed light on our population! I asked him what made him start this project. "Initially it was just going to be half Korean and Half Black, but then I decided to open up, to all half black and Asian kids, as I was getting to know so many through social media!"

We belong to a few groups on Facebook that has really brought all of us "Half Breeds" together. I was honored to join the ranks of over 400 that has taken part in this historic project. We come in all shapes, sizes, fashion and flavor, but share that common bond. That to me, is pretty darn special! Not to mention he is an excellent cook, launching his Walter Eats Series via social media! Looking forward to the finished product!

To learn more about the start of the project visit Walter here:

http://www.halfkorean.com/WalterLewisBlackAndYello

 

Special THANK YOU to Alice@Large MUA http://www.tmbmakeupartistry.com/!

Still Standing Journey to Wonderland Shoot

 

 

It's been quite a "Journey" getting the JTW Project together! It has been fun, exciting, hard, trying, challenging, stressful,  but most of all rewarding, just knowing that there is something special brewing.  Along side the Silverback Grizzly;  super producer and photographer, we were able to knock out some pretty cool pictures and promotional footage! I wasn't sure of the location at first, but then a certain energy, started to take over. A certain understanding if you will.

 

I loved the contrast of the hard background. The chipped concrete, the worn down remnants of rich history, the stillness in the air. The acknowledgement of the fight for freedom.  I  loved the notion of these ruins "Still Standing" after surviving World War 1, World War 2 and other American conflicts.      

                                 

We "shot" at Battery Church, which was built between 1897 and 1900. It was part of the coastal artillery batteries put in place to protect the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay on historic Fort Monroe. Guns once, locked and loaded.

                                                                                                                Adding to the history?  This place was where the first enslaved African from Angola arrived known back then as Point Comfort in 1619. (http://aliceatlarge.blogspot.com/2013/08/culture-club-african-landing-day.html)  May of 1862 President Abraham Lincoln came to Fort Monroe to direct the fall of Norfolk and later made history by signing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

 

I too bear the scars from my own battles and wars.  Having gone through so many trials and tribulations, life has thrown my way. I  too, remained "Locked and Loaded" armed with ever lasting faith, an open mind, and a very strong heart. I AM a tough cookie. Taught to be that way. My father used to tell me, "Tough times, don't last, tough people do!"  I too am "Still Standing!"

 

This was the perfect place for the last piece of my production puzzle. I related to my surroundings, and I left the shoot feeling grateful, humbled with a sense of strength and a new found respect for life and those that have come before us. Bearing the notion of moving upward and forward at all times! Never giving up and always "Standing Strong!"

Soon I will share my project with the world, and I cannot wait! The "Journey to Wonderland" show is a celebration of life to include, history, traveling, cuisines, lifestyles, and all the things that make this journey exciting! I hope you join me as we explore, the beautiful things in life!

 

 

Throwback Thursday! Hosting the International Children's Festival - Asia IG Style!

Had THE BEST time hosting at the International Children's Festival! My family and I have gone almost every year, with Mom in all her glory, a staple representing at the Thailand Booth. So when I had the opportunity to emcee, heck ya? On board!

 Even better, I was planted at the Asia stage to announce many of the countries and acts through out the day. Fun! Fun! Fun!  Each country had a special traditional performance and man, amazing! There were so many great performances, but I will always love the Chinese Dragon Demonstrations. The colors, the movement, the bodies, the sounds.  Enticing.

Growing up mostly in Asia, this really brought me back to my roots! I loved being around so much culture at one time and I salute the city of Hampton for bringing us all together!

 

More than 30 countries were represented at this years festival. Yeah, the weather did show out, raining most of the day, but that didn't stop the magic!


In addition to traditional performances, each country's booth had cultural crafts and presentations. Kids received "Passports" and were encouraged to get a stamp from each country they visited. Tell me that isn't the cutest ever!

Not only did the kids have a ball, but the food? Ah, amazing! I mean, Greek Gyros to Pad Thai to Korean Bulgogi to Mexican Tacos and I can go on really. This is one of the many things my family and I enjoy about the Hampton International Children's Festival. The fact that you can have an international lunch? ROCKS.

Always a good time! This year, the new addition? Those exotic animals, that you get to pet and take that quick "Selfie" with. All in all, I was honored to be apart of Hampton History!


This year represented the 15th Annual International Children's Festival in Hampton. Interested in being a vendor or sponsor next year? Call  (757) 727-8311 or (757) 728-2085.

To have your country represented at the festival, contact Event Coordinators at 727-8314. Looking forward to seeing what new cultures we can explore next year!




         Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/alicesidaii/internationalchildrensfest to see more pics!

Hot Spot: Roger Brown's SWV Reunited Viewing Party! Another New Beginning!

Grammy Nominated, Triple Platinum Artist Coko of SWV. 

Now moments like these are what I live for! No one could be more excited to hear of an SWV Reunion   than me! I mean, seriously! I grew up listening to these divas turned pioneers, know every song VERBATIM! So when I got the chance to catch up with Coko at a viewing event for their new show 

SWV Reunited airing on WeTV-of course I jumped on it! I had so many questions honey! 

Roger Brown's Sports Bar & Grill hosted the event. 

Hailing from New York, Coko, LeeLee & Taj started this journey not knowing their music would be legendary.  Topping Billboard charts,  Grammy Nominations & Triple Platinum Albums.  Weak, Anything, Right Here, Can We, I mean, I can go on forever really. They defined a new generation of sisters! Sisters With Voices! Not only influential in music, but very much so in style and fashion too! So you know I asked about the nails. I addressed a rumor I heard. It was said that those nails were a result of Coko growing up in a very religious home and that was the only way she could express herself.  "I painted them all different colors and grew them just to get on my Mothers nerves!" In speaking of style, Coko looked immaculate! Beautiful and glowing, appropaitely so!

Tune in! SWV Reunited on WeTV!

Special Shout out to Heavenly Eats & Sweets! 

SWV decided to part ways to pursue solo careers in 1998. Coko went on to produce three solo albums including a Gospel album entitled "Grateful." She also starred in a few plays,  including the Vagina Monologues. When asked about the transition from music to acting she stated frankly "I hated it! Having to remember lines, it was alot" she said chuckling. 15 years later-it's back to the music and back to business! Releasing their latest album "I Missed Us" last year. We touched on the make up/break up of the group, and how it felt to be back together for their new show SWV Reunited. She told me it took some getting used too, as far as having the cameras rolling. Taj, Leelee and Coko really leave it all on the table for the world to see. Dealing with some hard hitting issue that include the stress of making a "Come Back",  unresolved issues, problems with management and a really big health scare for Coko!

Special shout out to Lady C of Hot 91.1 and Fresh Radio

Check your local listings for show times and dates of clearly my new favorite show "SWV Reunited." I can "Co-Sign" with fans everywhere, that we will definitely be tuning in!

Special THANK YOU to: 

Lisa Rose of TheMakeBaby13 www.tmbmakeupartistry.com for the glam! 

Roger Brown's Sports Bar & Grill! Great staff, delicious food and awesome drinks! 

Erica Still of Sankofa Dance and Heavenly Eats & Sweets for gifting the superstar Coko,  SWV Reunited Executive Producer Cory Taylor and myself with deliciously gorgeous cake pops! 

View awesome Alice@Large footage at www.youtube.com/aliceatlargeevents.

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/

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