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Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Master of Ceremomomies Former Fox 5 News Anchor John Roland and Cognac Wellerlane pose for a photo – op – Photography by Michael Wellbrock
Gala Chairperson Carol Lee Nespole and Cognac Wellerlane pose for a photo-op – Photograpy by Michael Wellbrock
Chairperson Carol Lee Nespole poses with her grandaughters – photo by Michael wellbrock
Casino Gaming and a silent auction was part of the elegant event at the “East Meets West” East End Hospice Gala – Photo by Michael Wellbrock
Stunning Kleinfeld Bridal Model Amanda Rea poses with Cognac Wellerlane for a photo-op – Photography by Michael Wellbrock
Longislanders, Hamptonites and devoted supporters attended the East Meets West East End Hospice Summer Gata on June 27, 2009 at the Potts Family’s Sandacres Estate in Quogue.
This year’s elegant event kicked off the theme “East Meets West.” This year East End Hopice’s mission is to construct a long awaited East End Hospice residence that the community is in desperate need of.
Cognac chats with Gala Chairpersons Nancy Sander and Carol Lee Nespole – Video by Michael Wellbrock
Cognac chat with former Fox 5 News Anchor John Roland – Video by Michael Wellbrock
With the generous support of all, East End Hospice provides the critical and compassionate care to friends, neighbors and patients facing the crisis of terminal illness. Most unfortunately over the last decade more and more patients do not have a safe and secure home environment to spend the last days of their lives comfortably and securely with their loving family and friends.
A newly constructed home will give these special people a haven for their need during the last days of their lives in comfort and safety. East End Hospice has been planning this construction for the last ten years and is now ready to make the Hospice Home a realty.
During the event East End Hospice was pleased to present the Honorary Chairperson Barbara McMahon and DJ Carey with the Dorothy P. Savage Good Samaritan Award. Both have showed unselfish dedication working tirelessly to bring East End Hospice in the forefront.
Both Gala Chairpersons Carol Lee Nespole and Nancy Sander talked to me about the endless planning, collaborating and work they have done for the past year to make this event a success.
Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Apollo Run performs at The Rooftop Rendevous
Ground UP Productions hosted an elegant gathering, the Rooftop Rendezvous, a swanky cocktail party benefiting the critically acclaimed theater company’s summer production of Barefoot in the Park. The celebration was held atop the Scholastic Event Center.
Magician Matt Wayne poses with Cognac Wellerlane for a photo-op.
Under the stars in SoHo, guests were transported to the early 1960s with a scavenger hunt, photo booth, magic by Matt Wayne, face painting by Sammie and Tudie, Tarot card readings by Kristall O’Neill-Richardson, and swinging tunes performed by Apollo Run. They will also be treated to mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres and desserts from 24 Prince, Acme Bar & Grill, Out of the Kitchen, and Prince Street Café and Catering; beer from Brooklyn Brewery, Union Beer Distributors and Anheuser-Busch; wine provided by 36 West Bar & Grill and Barefoot Wines; and other beverages from Cheerwine and The Carolina Beverage Corporation.
Publicist Ron Caparella, Magician Matt Wayne and Fashion Designer Count Vlad pose for Photo-Op
Karen Biehl, Eli Biehl and Cognac pose for a photo op
Guest at the event having fun in the tub
Proceeds from the Rooftop Rendezvous benefit Ground UP Productions’ upcoming production of Barefoot in the Park, running July 8 through 25, 2009 at Manhattan Theatre Source, and its 2009 season. Benefit tickets are $50 per person at www.groundupproductions.org. For more information, call (212) 358-3921. Group tickets are available.
Cognac poses for a photo-op in the pink tub
Wearing a Vladicouture creation Cognac poses with Designer Count Vlad for a photo-op
The Rooftop Rendezvous is Ground UP Productions’ fourth annual benefit, following the company’s successful Bluegrass Bash cruise around Manhattan in 2007 and the Ground UP Rock-Down last year.
Ground UP Productions produced the New York premiere of the smash hit musical The People vs. Mona by Jim Wann and Patricia Miller. The production was hailed as “good natured, down home fun” by the New York Times, “consistently inventive” by the New York Post and a “hootin’ good time” by Variety. The company has also produced the world premiere of Jason Chimonides’ The Optimist (“deliriously entertaining” – New Yorker) as well as the acclaimed revivals of Baby with the Bathwater, Proof and Burn This.
Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Cristina Fontanelli as “Tosca” at Duck Walk Vineyards an Evening of Opera in the Hamptons - Photo by Rochelle Sloman
Cognac chats with Cristina Fontanelli – video by Rochelle Slomin
An evening of Opera in the Hamptons was most enjoyable at a Performance of Tosca performed in its 18th season.
Giacomo Puccini’s “Tosca” took place at Duck Walk Vineyards Saturday evening June 20th. I had a chance to chat with Dr. Dan Damianos better known as “Dr. Dan to his friends and colleagues. Dr. Dan expresses, “When one thinks of opera three things come in to play, poetry, music and drama. You put all three together you have Opera.”
Australian tenor, Benjamin Sloman - Photo by Rochelle Slomin
Count Vlad and Soprano Star Cristina Fontanelli pose for a photo-op – Photo by Rochelle Slomin
Dr. Dan talked in length about his love of opera, his relationship with Opera legend Maria Callas, and his fondness for Soprano Star Christina Fontanelli who portrayed Tosca. The romantic opera Tosca still thrills and arouses audiences with its drama, violence and mystery. Ms. Fontanelli’s portrayal of Tosca is “Share elegant Opera.”
It was the dream of our founder, Dr. Herodotus “Dan” Damianos, that helped create the winemaking industry on Long Island in the early 1980’s. In 1994 he and his son Alexander founded Duck Walk Vineyards. The Normandy Chateau-style building in Water Mill, a true Hamptons landmark, became home to what has quickly evolved into one of the most well-known names in Long Island wine.
For more info about Duckwalk Vineyards please visit: http://duckwalk.com/
Cognac chats with Dr. Dan – Video by Rochelle Slomin Part 1
Cognac chats with Dr. Dan – Video by Rochelle Slomin Part 2
Cognac chats with Dr. Dan – Video by Rochelle Slomin Part 3
Much like her predecessor Maria Callas, Cristina Fontanelli has toured throughout the world singing for royalty and heads of state.
She has toured the Middle East extensively as an “Ambassador of Opera”. Her operatic repertoire includes such heroines as Mimi, Musetta, Violetta and the title role of “Madame Butterfly”. Ms. Fontanelli has also toured as a solo concert artist in major concert halls throughout Japan, Korea, Italy, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United States. She sings and entertains in Japanese, Korean, Italian, Neopolitan, French, German, Spanish and Yiddish.
Many major publications, including The New York Times, have praised Ms. Fontanelli’s singing as having “technical ease” and “flaunting bravura”, but perhaps this quote taken from a recent review best sums up the artistry of this versatile soprano – she is a “show stopper”.
I also had the chance to converse with magnificent tenor Benjamin Sloman who portrayed Mario Cavaradossi in Hamptons adaption of “Tosca.”
Australian tenor, Benjamin Sloman has performed internationally on opera stages and as a soloist in recitals and concerts. Described as a “standout performer [with] a powerful and ringing voice” by the East Hampton and Southampton Press, recent operatic credits include Die Walküre, Il Trovatore, La Boheme, Don Pasquale, Cavalleria Rusticana, Pagliacci, Salome, Carmen and Tosca with Opera New York, One World Symphony, Sydney Lyric Opera, and Opera of the Hamptons.
On the concert stage Mr. Sloman has made numerous recent appearances including: An Italian Night, Music of Puccini, Verdi and Napoli with Opera of the Hamptons, Classical Concert Starring Emerging Artists with Opera of the Hamptons at the Levitas Hall, Southampton Cultural Center, Summer Nights Concert Series at Brighton Beach, and regular concert appearances with Allegro Opera, including a recital honoring Puccini’s 150th Anniversary at the 92nd Street Y Tisch Center for the Arts. Throughout 2009, Mr. Sloman will be appearing in recital at the Bechstein Piano Hall in New York City.
Treat yourself to glamour and elegance one evening and attend an Opera in the Hamptons.
For more info please visit: For more information and for tickets, go to Opera of the Hamptons.
For more information about Ms. Cristina Fontanelli please visit http://www.cristinafontanelli.com
and to learn more about Benjamin Sloman please visit http://benjaminsloman.com
Hello darlings, welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Fox News Channel Bill Hemmer, Alissa Adler Stephen Adler Chairman, Chief Executive Officer Charity Brands, Realty TV Star Alex McCord, Linda Klein LiImagemag.com and Realty TV Star Simon VanKempen pose for a photo-op – Photography by Rochelle Slomin
On June 20TH The American Heart Association’s Annual Heart of the Hamptons Ball Returned for it’s 13th Year to make a difference in combatting heart disease and stroke.
Account Director Carter Cramer Charity Brands, Cognac Wellerlane and Douglas Marshall from Martiniboys.com and guestofaguest.com pose for a photo-op – Photography by Rochelle Slomin
Publicist Ron Capparella, Cognac Wellerlane and Count Vlad pose for a photo-op – Photography by Rochelle Slomin
Publicist Ron Capparella, Cognac Wellerlane and Count Vlad pose for a photo-op – Photography by Rochelle Slomin
Account Executive Linda Klein from LIimagemag.com and Cognac Wellerlane pose for a photo-op – Photography by Rochelle Slomin
Cognac interviews at the Annual Heart of the Hamptons Ball in Bridgehampton Video by Rochelle Slomin
For nearly a century, cardiovascular diseases have been responsible for more deaths in the United States than any other cause, claiming a life every 37 seconds. We can make a difference. Become a contributor and create a world free of heart disease and stroke.
I had a chance to chat with Stephen M. Adler, Chief Executive Officer of Charity Brands.
Mr. Adler started his career as a full-time lecturer in Communications, Arts and Sciences at Queens College. He went on to establish a youth marketing firm, Inter-Collegiate Marketing, that launched the first ever youth credit card, “Don’t Leave School Without It”, for American Express. Inter-Collegiate Marketing was also responsible for creating success for IBM’s initial venture to be the first computer technology corporation to have a presence on college campuses. With his expertise in youth marketing, Mr. Adler was able to develop a niche and was responsible for facilitating additional marketing programs for AT&T’s global penetration of the youth market.
From there, Mr. Adler created a specialized travel industry company whose clients included American Airlines, British Airways and USTOA, a multi-billion dollar conglomerate of trade associations. American Broadcasting Companies then engaged Mr. Adler as negotiator for the Olympic Game assignments and Fortune 1000 corporations.
Mr. Adler’s entrepreneurial skills enabled him to create an extremely successful marketing agency that specializes in cause related marketing. Charity Brands Marketing was formed to capitalize on opportunities for corporations and non-profits to work together to achieve their mutual goals. Success is achieved by marketing non-profits as brands, with particular emphasis on healthcare brands such as the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society. The ultimate goal of the partnerships between the corporations and the non-profits is to reach consumers with health information and affect positive health behavior change. Mr. Adler has directed multi-level partnerships that cater to over 1,100 brands in 15 industry groups.
Mr. Adler has also lectured extensively on the success and benefits of cause related marketing and has been an enormous supporter of Americanheart.org
The American Heart Association mission is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is: “Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.”
The mission statement was updated by the American Heart Association during its Annual Meeting in April 2007. The mission statement undergoes a formal review process every third year.
The association’s impact goal is to reduce coronary heart disease, stroke and risk by 25 percent by 2010.
The American Stroke Association is here to serve you. They are committed to remaining the leader in providing credible stroke information to individuals and healthcare providers.
The American Stroke Association is a division of the American Heart Association. For your convenience, you can review local ASA and AHA events in one place. If you have questions, contact your local office.
The 2009 Honorees included Isadore Rosenfeld, MD, FACP, FACC, known as “America’s Doctor” and host of Fox News Channel’s ‘House Call.’
I also had a chance to chat with Bravo Star “Real Housewife” Alex McCord who likes to cook healty for her husband Simon Van Kempen making sure to cook with unprocessed foods and ingredients.
Dashing Carter Cramer from Charity Brands and Douglas Marshall from a Guestofaguest.com chatted with me about supporting Heart of the Hamptons with a really BIG HEART!
I closed my red carpet interviews with Account Executive Linda Klein from LIimagemag.com.
Cognac chats with Linda Klein from LIimagemag.com and Douglas Marshall from Martini boys.com-video by Rochelle Slomin
For more information about Long Island Image Magazine please visit http://www.liimagemag.com
To Learn more about the American Heart Association please visit Americanheart.org
Until my next celebrity event darlings,
Hello Darlings, Welcome back to Cognac’s Corner Magazine.
Artist Richard Gomez assists Cognac Wellerlane in blowing out the candles at her Birthday Gala in the Hamptons
I celebrated my birthday gala in grand style at the palatial estate of Financier Owain Morgan and Press Photographer Shane Gritzinger.
It was an initimate evening with close friends, exotic pleasures and champagne!
My guest enjoyed entertainment given by Alanah and Kerri Belly Dance ensemble.
Cognac chats with Belly Dancer Alanah
Alanah is a vivacious Middle Eastern dancer who captivates audiences with her dynamic and innovative style. Her sensual graciousness, elegance, and fiery stage presence have earned her the reputation as one of New York’s most highly regarded Middle Eastern dance performers.
Alanah dances at nightclubs, private engagements, restaurants, theatrical concerts and cultural events highlighting Egyptian Cabaret and fusion-style Oriental dance. She is a consummate entertainer who brings joy, passion and spontaneity to every performance. Her career as a Middle Eastern dancer began 15 years ago while a serious Flamenco student and full-time painter. Her extensive dance background now includes study with the most renowned artists in the Middle Eastern dance world, including Shareen El Safy (CA), Yousry Sharif (NYC), Elena Lentini (NYC), Amir Thaleb (Argentina) and Egyptian stars Dina, Randa Kamel, Faten Salama, Raqia Hassan and Mahmoud Reda. In addition, Alanah was co-founder and choreographer of the progressive dance companies Awalim and Ala A Nar. Alanah’s style is also influenced by her years of Flamenco training, most notably with the renowned Juana Amaya in Sevilla, Spain. Always exploring contemporary developments in her dance, Alanah continues to refine her technique with study trips to Egypt.
Alanah is a member of Elena Lentini’s Caravanserai Dance Theater. The company’s recent theatrical productions include “Garden of Abraham”, which was regarded as a tour de force by the New York Times and which Dance Insider said “reveals new depths in this ancient form, and a whole new world of possibilities.” The company has performed at La Mama Experimental Theater, New York’s Washington Square Church and most recently at New York’s Hudson Guild Theatre in the theatrical production “Argumentum Ornithologicum”.
Alanah’s other passions include world travel with recent trips to Egypt, India, Nepal, Vietnam and Cambodia.
Kerri who is another divine dancer also explained the technique and allure of this ancient dance.
Cognac chats with Belly Dancer Kerri
Cognac chats wth Costume Designer Rosemary Ponzo
This glamorous evening would not be complete without interviewing my dear friend, Costume Designer Rosemary Ponzo and my host Press Photographer Shane Gritzinger who is a master not only photographing famous A-list celebrities but planning a high end events!
Cognac chats with Press Photographer Shane Gritzinger
Celebrities that attended the evening included Count Vlad of Vladicouture, Publicist Ron Capparella, Costume Designer Rosemary Ponzo, Stylist Patricia Parenti, Artist Richard Gomez, Socialite Nancy Gomez, and Ed Ponzo
IREO Event co-chair Amy Sacco, actor Billy Zane and fashion designer Rachel Roy attend the 2nd annual IREO Renewable Energy Awards Gala at the United Nations on June 11, 2009 in New York City.
Dr. Bineshwar Pathak accepts the NGO award
Model Masha Rudenko
Actor Jon Lindstrom and Cognac Wellerlane pose for a photo-op at the 2nd IREO Renewal Energy Awards – Photo by Lorenzo Esquivel
Publicist Gloria Cressler, Actress Carla Ortiz and Cognac Wellelane pose for a photo-op – Photo by Lorenzo Esquivel
Publicist Gloria Cressler and Actor Jon Lindstrom pose for photo-op – Photo by Lorenzo Esquivel
Publicist Gloria Cressler, Actress Eloise DeJoria, Ambassador John Paul DeJoria and Cognac Wellerlane pose for a photo-op at the IREO Renewal Energy Awards – Photo by Lorenzo Esquivel
Publisher Wendy Diamond from Animal Fair and guest pose with Cognac Wellerlane for a photo-op at the 2nd IREO Renewal Energy Awards – Photo by Lorenzo Esquivel
Celebrities, politicians, dignitaries, ambassadors, and heads of state gathered to attend the 2nd IREO Renewal Energy Award at the United Nations on June 11, 2009.
Cognac chats with Actor Michael Knight, Sam Champion Ambassador John Paul DeJoria and wife, Actress Eloise DeJoria – Video by Lorenzo Esquivel
Cognac chats with Robson Mello, Secretary General Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Organizaton – Video by Lorenzo Esquivel
Cognac chats with Actors Billy Zane and Matthew Modine at the 2nd Ireo Renewal Energy Awards – Video by Lorenzo Esquivel
Cognac chats with actors Jon Lindstrom and Carla Ortiz at the 2nd IREO Renewal Energy Awards was held at the United Nations on June 11 – Video by Lorenzo Esquivel
I had the chance to interview Robson Mello, Secretary General Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Organization who expresses,
“The 2nd IREO Renewable Energy Award is a global awards program designed to recognize those at the forefront of energy innovation. As the pre-eminent international award in the field of sustainable and renewable energy.
IREO seeks to honor those individuals and organizations who will be leading the way of global advancement, with the strength to challenge conventional wisdom and encourage critical thinking. The Renewable Energy Award allows us to recognize and embody this spirit, both within our region and across the world.
The IREO Renewable Energy Award recognizes those at the forefront of energy innovation and is the pre-eminent international award in the field of sustainable and renewable energy.
IREO seeks to honor those individuals and organizations leading the way of global development through renewable energy, with the strength to challenge conventional wisdom and encourage critical thinking.
It is our hope at IREO that this award will inspire the world’s best minds to focus their efforts on facing the challenge of delivering sustainable energy solutions to meet ever-growing global demand.
I welcome you to the awards, and to the promise of a future of sustainable energy, and encourage you to join us on this incredible journey.”
I had the honor of interviewing Internationally renowned artist, Mr. William Ho, who created the 2009 master piece award to honor governments, individuals, organizations, institutions and companies for their excellence in the innovation, development and implementation of sustainable energy solutions.
Bindeshwar Pathak, Sulabh International founder, on Friday received the highly honored Renewable Energy Award of the United Nations at its main headquarters in New York for developing low cost toilet technology to produce energy out of human waste.
Magician Matt Wayne and Cognac Wellerlane pose for a photo-op at the World Trump Bar Hosted by Gloria Cressler Enterprises – Photo by Mauro Botero
Ms. Cressler presents her social networking events monthly at the World Trump Bar featuring elite business professionals, diplomats, royalty, Celebrities and members of the Press.
Twila Zone, aka, Tamara Marotta, Magician Rich Marotta and Cognac Wellerane pose for a photo-op at the World Trump Bar Hosted by Gloria Cressler Enterprises
Actresses Lindsey Johnston and Lauren Cavanaugh pose with Cognac Wellerlane at World Trump Bar Hosted by Gloria Cressler Enterprises – Photo by Mauro Botero
Cognac chats with Magician Rich Marotta and Twila Zone at the World Trump Bar – Video by Mauro Botero
At this event, June 10th I had the pleasure of interviewing world famous Magician RICH MAROTTA.
Besides being one of the foremost close up magicians in the world, Rich Marotta is also an accomplished stage performer and Stand Up comedian. He has performed his one man show in all fifty states. He has appeared on over 20 television shows including, Comic Strip Live, Showtime Comedy Club,and Comedy on the Road. He has also appeared on television in London, England, Melbourne, Australia and Madrid, Spain.
Twila Zone, aka, Tamara Marotta was a serious actress with Stage Group Theatre of San Francisco before taking up with her husband, Rich Marotta. Together, they went for the laughs working comedy clubs, Caroline’s, Laugh Factory, Comedy Stops, performing on television, The Learning Channel, London Weekend Television, and British Satellite Broadcasting, and touring the world with their l ive comedy show; London, Australia, Copenhagen, Buenos Aires. Just about everywhere, before settling in their “forever home port” of New York. Tamara also writes screenplays, novels, and feature stories about Magic and other things.
Cognac chats with Actor Mark Epperson – Video by Mauro Botero
I also had the pleasure of interviewing a fabulous theatre company at the World Trump Bar that same evening.
New York, NY- (June 9,2009) Zenbaby Theatre Company is pleased to announce the world premiere of two new plays “Lovers & Thieves” by Sem Megson, and “Matty & The Airplane”, by Lauren Cavanaugh. Produced by Phil Newsom and Lauren Cavanaugh. Performances will be held June 5 – 21 at the Roy Arias’ Payan Theatre. This is the company’s second production of the season, coming quick off the heels of their successful comedy “Land of the Babydolls” by Kristine Hipps and Lauren Cavanaugh. Zenbaby Theatre has also recently produced such events as their “Sweet Soul Sock Hop” concert and dance, along with their holiday cabaret show “Naughty & Nice”.
Cognac chats with Actresses Laura Johnston and Lauren Cavanaugh from “Lovers and Thieves” – Video by Mauro Botero
In “Lovers & Thieves” there’s a thief of hearts, and the heart of a thief, but which one is which? Shelly & Kaden are a married couple and owners of a match making business, yet they can barely keep their relationship together. Renata and May- May burst into their lives, turning theirr business upside down. Unwittingly, Kaden’s lovable nerdy client, Barton gets caught in the middle. The play confronts our current ultra-technological society, and how it affects relationships. As the character Renata explains, “The fetish of our time is Googling our lovers”
Sem Megson’s work takes a comedic look at how people both raise and lower themselves in order to deal with an unpredictable and ever-changing world.. Several of Megson’s plays, including Working for Mama, Creatures of Pleasure, and Fudge d, have been performed in NewYork City, Los Angeles, and Toronto.
“Matty and the Airplane” is about a young child’s imaginary world that shields him from the vulnerability of his newly broken family. This short play is a fast paced, quirky comedy that will keep you wanting more.
CAST: E2Matty & The Airplane”: Matty: Jesse R. Tendler, Megan: Leah Young, Daddy: Roger Crane
Director’s Bios:
Lauren Cavanaugh (Co-producer/Playwright/Director “Lovers & Thieves”)-Lauren recently directed and co-wrote “Land of the Babydolls” at the Nicu’s Spoon Theatre and directed “The Atheist’s Daughter” by Danielle Newell for Bohemian Benders, China Club, NYC. Her short play “Honey & Candy” is being produced by the Gallery Players as part of their summer play festival. “Nunchuck Ninja Nuns”, her original play was produced with the Thirteenth Street Repertory Company last year. As an actress, she was a member of Revolution Improv, and has performed at The Cutting Room, Teabag Café, and the Thirteenth Street Repertory Company. She received her MA in Educational Theatre at the Steinhardt School, NYU and her BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from The Hartt School, University of Hartford.
Phil Newsom (Co-Producer, Director “Matt y & The Airplane”) – In Denver, Phil was the Executive Director of Paper Cat Theatre Company for four years and a teaching artist/Program Director for Colorado Educational Theatre for 6 years. He Co-produced and co-wrote the feature film “The Monument” which won first place at the Huantcon amateur film festival. Currently he is teaching theatre in Brooklyn for “Young Dancers in Repertory”. As an actor he has performed for 13th Street Repertory Company, NY Hall of Science, Central Park Zoo, Manhattan Children’s Theatre and in Zenbaby’s most recent production, “Land of the Babydolls”. Phil is a member of SAG and has acted on such shows as “Busted” for Animal Planet, “Ugly Betty” and “Law and Order”. He is extremely excited to be involved with the groundbreaking of Zenbaby Theatre! www.Philnewsom.com
Zenbaby Theatre is a lively, experimental theatre company that explores women’s issues through comedy. The company’s mission is to have an avenue for new plays and unique artistic discovery through theatrical improvisation, video, visual art, dance, and newly developed music. The founding members encourage emerging talent to contact the company to create devised work in a collaborative environment. Many of the company’s performances have been influen ced by Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, Christopher Durang, Kids in the Hall, Little Britain, and the Upright Citizen’s Brigade. www.zenbabytheatre.org
Interview inquiries or press tickets : Please call Michael Martinez, 212-712-7362.
Rapper 50 Cent got used to wearing suits while in court earlier this month. His case has been settled against engineering firm BVH Integrated over renovations to his Connecticut mansion, and my source revealed, he celebrated with a shopping spree at Tom Ford on Madison Avenue the other day, where he “spent $33,000 on suits. Tom is a huge fan and made them specifically for 50 Cent.”
Gospel Singer Abbi-K performs at the World Trump Bar in United Nations Plaza hosted by Gloria Cressler Enterprises-Photo by Mauro Botero
On June 10th I had the pleasure of interviewing International Recording Artist Cristina Fontanelli at the World Trump Bar hosted by Gloria Cressler Enterprises in United Nations Plaza.
International Recording Artist Cristina Fontanelli and Cognac Wellerlane pose for a photo-op – Photo by Mauro Botero
Cognac chats with International Recording Artist Cristina Fontanelli – Video by Mauro Botero
Ms. Fontanelli has become a well-known personality through her recordings, her appearances on American and Italian radio, TV, opera, in concerts, and through her recent acting debut on network television, where she is receiving rave reviews for her beautiful voice and versatile talent. On January 20, 2005 Cristina Fontanelli was invited to open the ceremonies at the Stars and Stripes Presidential Inaugural Ball in Washington D.C. where she sang for an audience of over 6,000 invited guests and dignitaries
Cognac chats with Gospel Singer Abbi-K and the Tappin sisters – Video by Mauro Botero
Another great entertainer Abbi-K spoke to me about her music and bringing the word of God to the masses.
Abbi-k What is a Godster? It could have many meanings that are unique to everyone. Abbi-k’s music touches all, inspiring the youth to live above the influence. Powerful and young – her style has been compared to the likes of Lauren Hill. Abbi-k is a true Godster as her gospel single “ World Changers “Godster Anthem” reflects. Abbi-k was born Abigail Kichelle Herbert in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas (USVI) but was raised in St. Johns, Antigua. Growing up she sang in church choirs leading solos and participating in musical events in church building the foundation for her love of music “I grew up in church, which I think gave me the passion for music and singing.” – Abbi-k Abbi-k is energized and influenced by musical artists like John Legend, Lauren Hill, and CeCe Winans just to name a few. The singer/ songwriter/musician is beautiful, down to earth and is a Christian staying true to her conviction through Jesus Christ. Abbi-k is currently working on her debut album set to be released in late 2009.The album will contain fresh new sounds from (Producer/ Song writer) Kareem Herbert and (Producer) Kirk Swaby. This talented young lady has a gift for playing the keyboard, drums and guitar with a style that has not been seen before. “My music is geared towards young people. My message to them is, you can live a true Christian life and not be persuaded by your environment.” – Abbi-k With an album that focuses on issues young people are dealing with, it is sure to capture a following of those who love and respect “Clean and Fun” music. For more information on upcoming performances, check out Abbi-k at www.myspace.com/abbiknyc.
Band leaders DENEISE, ESLIN, AMEEKA AND COLISTER all spell out the Tappin Sister that later entertained the audience with their joyous rendition. These lovely ladies will be performing for the Prince of Monaco in the South of France very shortly.
The Tappin Sisters are anointed group of young women who have comitted their lives to spreading the gosple of Jesus christ through song. The group is made up of four Biological Sisters names are: Deneise, Eslin, Ameeka and Colister four out of six siblings (one boy and five girls) were born in Guyana, raised in St.Lucia. Children of Esther and Colin Tappin. They started ministering to God’s people at a very tender age. With God By they side, they were able to record two albums thus far, in New York City. First album entitled “When Heaven Calls”, and second album entitled ” Your Grace.” They pray and trust that God will continue to use them to sing of His love in this world.
