Fashion On The Square (FOTS), the largest and longest running charity fashion show on the West Coast, hits the runway on November 13, 2016.  Designer line-up to be announced very soon and tickets go on sale September 1, 2016.  Visit www.fashiononthesquare.com for details.  And go

11th Annual Fashion On The Square | November 13, 2016 | InterContinental Hotel, San Francisco, CA

Nicole 'Nik' Caldwell - 1st Time Author - Bay Area Native - TODAY on sale NOW!

Oakland native Nicole Caldwell continues to thrive with her many talents in becoming a 1st time author, book entitled TODAY.  Nik's passion to empower young girls around the globe with inspirations of hope and dreams, TODAY will capture your attention from start to finish.  Come and meet Nik on Jan. 17th, grab a copy of her book, and enjoy the company of one  of Oakland's best-kept secrets.

Order your advanced discounted copy at www.nikcaldwell.com.  For interview/media/press contact Glass House Communications - yanad@glasshousepr.com

Out On The Town: Van Jones | Never Park Again | Hot Shot of the Week | Colors of Christmas | 100 Black Men and More...

Dec. 10th - Movement 50 Hosts Van Jones.  Earlier in the day Mr. Jones moved the crowd with his introduction of keynote speaker Rev. Jesse Jackson at the Intel/Diversity in Tech event in Santa Clara, CA.  During the evening, the same day, Mr. Jones commanded the stage at Impact HUB Oakland and in his true to form nature, always having a strong message to deliver, he addressed the movement around "Black Lives Matter" to the mission of #YesWeCode, which is a new initiative, founded by Mr. Jones, to train 100,000 people from low-income communities to code.  Mr. Jones put into very plain context that it's not that law enforcement officers are afraid of the violence that African American boys and men may do to them, but rather they are afraid of the potential of success of these individuals.  Movement 50, the group that hosted the event, are a group of new leaders, activists, artists, entrepreneurs, and pioneers energized about the future direction of Oakland and motivated to engage the larger community in joining that movement.  The organization started with the need to bring together the Bay Area's diversity and talent in order to harness that collective power towards change.

 

Dec. 13th - 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, 26th Annual Scholarship Dinner.  The damp weather in San Francisco did not stop close 600 supporters from gathering at the Marriott Hotel dressed to impress and ready to celebrate the many successes of their various programs throughout the year. The organization has several programs supporting youth: Youth Movement Program, The Junior 100 College Bound Mentoring Program, and The Collegiate 100 Black Men at UC Berkeley.  In 2014 they awarded $25,000 in scholarships and since their inception in 1988 they have awarded over $1.2M in educational scholarships and grants. The Gala Chair this year was Mr. Danny L. Williams and the MC of the hour was the funny and talented Daniel Dugar, and award recipients were: Michael Morgan, Oakland East Bay Symphony - Community Achievement Award; KBLX 102.9 - Corporate Community Achievement Award; Kazan, McClain et al - Corporate Achievement Award; and Robert L. Harris, Esq. - Lifetime Achievement Award. 

100 Black Men of America, Inc. seeks to serve as a beacon of leadership by utilizing our diverse talents to create environments where our children are motivated to achieve, and to empower our people to become self-sufficient shareholders in the economic and social fabric of the communities we serve.  Now more than 100 chapters and 10,000 members and still growing.

{Photo Lf to Rt: Daryle Wyte, 100 Black Men; Dr. Pastor Charley Hames, Jr., Beebe Memorial Cathedral; Michael DeFlorimonte, theREGISTRYBayArea}

 

ZIRX - Never Park Again.  I think I've FINALLY found a driver - well a driver of sorts - and I never have to worry about parking again.  For the many meetings and events that I attend in a day, I have to actually factor in time just to find parking which can add close to two additional hours to the hustle and bustle of the day.  Thank the stars for ZIRX, a parking concierge.  You simply download the app on either your Android or iPhone, stop you car near the address where you're going, request a driver/agent via your cell phone and usually arrive within 5 minutes they show up.  The agent will then take your car while you shop, do errands, attend meetings, etc..  Then, when you're done just call the agent and within about 15 minutes they show up with your car.  The $15 daily price includes it all: pickup, storage, redelivery, and tip.  Go online to read more about insurance, full day rates, etc. Read more - Zirx

 

Dec. 16th - Colors of Christmas w/Peabo Bryson @ Davies Symphony Hall.  From joining the crowd to engage in selfies to serenading the women and children, Peabo Bryson is a crowd favorite every year and I look forward to the event every year.  The Colors Of Christmas is an annual holiday musical celebration hosted by R&B sensation Peabo Bryson. Joined by a changing selection of musicians, Peabo Bryson and friends ring in Christmas every year with a musical evening full of favorite pop and Christmas hits.

This year, Peabo Bryson was accompanied by Taylor Dayne, best known for her No. 1 single Love Will Lead You Back and Tony and Grammy winner Jennifer Holliday, as well as American Idol Ruben Studdard, for an unforgettable performance. Every year the concert is backed by a full orchestra and the selected choir has been directed by the highly regarded and internationally known director, singer, songwriter, musician and Bay Area's own Jeffery Williams. - {Photo Lf.: Carolyn Tyler, Anchor ABC7)



 

Dec. 18th - The African American Employee Network (AAEN) Holiday Mixer @ W San Francisco.  Did you make it? I hope so because it's certainly an annual holiday event that you don't want to miss.  Some of the most influential movers and shakers in the Bay Area are all in the house, under one roof at one time which is rare.  It's not about passing business cards but more about 'cultivating a relationships' with the men and women who are moving the dial in both as corporate professionals and entrepreneurs.  As much as they are professionals they also know how to party and 'get it in' do it was not a 'stuffy' evening, but rather lot of good conversation, great music and smooth vibes.

AAEN of the Bay Area is a collaborative network of African American employee resource groups from the private, public, and educational sectors in the Greater Bay Area community. AAEN was organized by representatives from EY (Nicole Felix), Merrill Lynch (David Spencer), michaelD. Communications (Michael DeFlorimonte) and PG&E (Dela Weeks ) in direct response to a need expressed by members of the corporate community.  AAEN objectives are focused in four areas: Career/Professional Development • Financial Management • Work/Life Balance • Technology.  AAEN launched in Oct. 2011with an event sponsored by Merrill Lynch. Fifteen Bay Area corporations were represented. Today, AAEN is in contact with 30 Bay Area employee resource groups and associations.

 

 

Dec. 13th, 100 Black Men Annual Scholarship Gala.  Ms. Natalie Gunn and Mr. Bakari Adams were the 'BEST DRESSED couple of the evening. Done and Done!


And go!

 

 

It's Time - Out On The Town Round Up - November 19, 2014

Playing until Nov. 30th - Berkeley Reperatory Theater, PARTY PEOPLE, for me, was not about the Black Panther Movement itself, but it was closer to a 'Where Are They Now' depiction, and what are they doing in this 21st Century.  Also, seeing how the children of those who were part of the Movement are thinking. It's a powerful play so be sure to catch it! {Website}

November 1 - Rooms That Rock 4 Chemo fundraising fashion show featuring couture designer Vasily Vein. Compassionate artists and volunteers transform chemotherapy rooms into vibrant beautiful spaces that encourage healing and hope for all who are affected by cancer. A sold out event with more than 1,000 people in attendance, high energy and flowing donations filled the room.  Senator Diane Feinstein's $1 bill from her purse auctioned for $1,200 and there were many more items auctioned as part of this fundraising even raising over $50K before the evening was over. Vocalist Jason Brock, known from The Voice, captured the audience with a great performance. Location: Nikko Hotel, San Francisco, CA. {Photos - Website}

Nov. 4th - Assoc. of Fundraising Professionals, National Philanthropy Day at the Westin St. Francis Hotel with more than 800 attendees. Renel Brooks Moon was the Mistress of Ceremonies and AFP honored more than 20 philanthropists at this event.  Felecia Gatson (middle), Executive Director, Performing Stars of Marin, received the Vineyards Awards which celebrates organizations having less than $500K in private support.  More than 800 attended and it was a SOLD OUT celebration. Y'Anad Burrell, AFP-GGC Board VP, Diversity & Inclusion Comittee, {Website}

Nov. 12th - National Assoc. of Black Public Administrators, 11th Annual Bay Area Achievers Banquet - Scott's Restaurant, Oakland.  Honorees: Claude M. Steele, PhD - Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost UC Berkeley; July Cole, City of Berkeley Library; Charles 'Rick' Moore, Swinerton Construction; Dr. Calvin Wheeler, MD, Physician in-chief at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Fremont; Oral Brown, Founder, Oral Lee Brown Foundation in Oakland; and Michael Gibson, Program Director of Emergency Medical Services (EMS Corps).  Kelechi Uwaezuoke, MPH was their scholarship award recipient.

 Henry Gardner, City of Oakland Former City Administrator and currently

Interim City Administrator - NFBPA Achievers Banqueq

Looking for more? Check out THE BUZZ at theREGISTRYBayArea.com

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 I flow through each day on Eastern Standard Time which translates for me 4:30 am - 11:30 pm PST.  It's easy to do because the first 1 hour and the last 1 hour of each day I spend in quiet time.  And go!

10th Annual Fashion On The Square WEEK - A Huge Success!

The 10^th Annual Fashion On The Square (FOTS) WEEK ended on July 27, 2014 with a finale runway show at the InterContinental Hotel in San Francisco that did not disappoint.  The goal of FOTS Week was not only to showcase the best in fashion here in the Bay Area and honor trailblazers in the fashion and art industries, but it was a fundraising effort for FOTS+The Arts, a non-profit organization that gives grants and scholarships to students in the fashion industry who blend fashion and art in their work, whether it’s on the runway or in a visual representation. 

On Saturday, July 19^th FOTS Week kicked-off with a surprise FashMob in the middle of Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco.  A Sacramento dance troupe was a pleasant surprise to people standing around waiting for the ‘free summer music series’ to begin and the crowd really began to gather when they saw more than 15 models create an outdoor runway on the pavement in the middle of the gardens.  Even children who were not part of the fashion show found their way to the runway to take part in the festivities.  We were in, out and done all under 10 minutes. It was epic. 

On Saturday, July 20^th at Imagine Affairs in Oakland, the FOTS+The Arts Awards and Fashion Show was a phenomenal event and the awardees and attendees certainly made their red carpet attire appearances in style. From the vintage look in fashion by La Belle Moi (Ronita Wheatfall) to enjoying classical pianist and honoree Marcus McCauley, the evening was one that the Bay Area has never experience and it left everyone wanting more and more.  Other honorees who received FOTS+TheArts awards were Brownie Sims, Teresa Washington, Tevia Gray and Nana Kofi Nti.

On Wednesday, July 23^rd a VIP and Sponsor Appreciation Reception took place at the Jenkins Johnson Gallery in San Francisco and it was no stopping the designers that evening as they did not hold back on what they wanted everyone to see.  Guests, including FOTS Fashion Icon Awardee Wilkes Bashford and media mogul Dexter Davis, enjoyed sneak peeks from each designer of one of their signature looks that was going to be shown on the runway.  To add more enjoyment to the festivities, it was an entertainment surprise when ballerina Amanda Whipple tip toed her way down the staircase to the lower level of the gallery performing a very energetic routine while guests were nibbling on delicious miniature cupcakes and sipping Apple Pie wine by SF MEAD.

W San Francisco partnered with FOTS for their Inspire Series Luncheon on Thursday, July 24^th and the guest speaker Caity Shreve, Fashion, Fun and Fitness Blogger.  Caity shared amazing tips on ‘Work-Wear’ and it was enlightening to hear the tips and tricks of the best dress when transitioning careers and fitting into a new environment in the workplace.  It warmed my heart when W’s General Manager presented me with the W Inspire Award.  So excited!

The weekend of fashion, fashion and more fashion took place July 25^th at W San Francsico with Fresh Faces of FOTS, July 26^th on Maiden Lane with the children and teen show which included two adult wear designers and then the finale show on July 27^th at the InterContinental Hotel.  Throughout the entire weekend, more than 5,000 people enjoyed FOTS fashion and it was amazing how the FOTS+TheArts t-shirts sold like crazy the entire weekend.  Designers included Cindy Quach, Rachel Riot, Christina Morgan Cree, Lauren Barisic, Ricky Lee, Jake Wall, Sebastian Threadz, Jordan Epstein, Soazig Kaam, Wesley Yu, Wenting Tina Yu, Kanyarat Tapeneeyakorn and others.

There is always very little time between ending a FOTS year and preparing for the next year.  The 10-year journey has been a solid stepping stone for what is ‘to come’ and the only common denominator that you will find in FOTS 2015 is ‘it will happen’.  Rest assured what is to come for FOTS and FOTS+TheArts next year is nothing that has been seen or done before.  And go!

Press Coverage of FOTS Week: Wear Your Voice {Pre FOTS} Wear Your Voice - FOTS+TheArts Awards FaFaFoom

Fashion Flash Mob - KICK-OFF Event - 10th Annual Fashion On The Square Week

The 10th Annual Fashion On The Square Week KICK-OFF event happens today, July 19th, at Noon at Yerba Buena Gardens (outdoors in the middle of the garden) with a FASHION FLASH MOB.  It was intentionally announced via social media today, 11 am - Noon as a surprise.  Hope you are near the area to join us.

The festivities continue all this week with events: July 20th: FOTS+TheArts Awards & Fashion Show at Imagine Affairs, Oakland, CA; July 23rd: VIP Sponsor & Supporter Reception at Jenkins Johnson Gallery; July 24th: W Inspire Series w/Caity Shreve; July 25th: Fresh Faces in Fashion, W San Francisco; July 26th: Children/Teens & Adult runway fashion show; and July 27th: event to children and teens rock'n the runway to the grand finale event on July 27th.  Visit fashiononthesquare.com for a complete schedule and tickets.  Purchase today as they are limited and will sell out!

See you on the runway!  And go!
Photo Credit: Crochet Couture which will be showing on the runway at FOTS.

Alonzo King LINES Ballet Opening Nite - May 21, 2014

With great anticipation and excitement, a packed house of supporters, donors and admirers were thrilled to experience yet another jaw dropping production and performance by renown dancers under the direction of visionary ALONZO KING.  This spring season's performance at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco, CA, which runs May 21st thru May 25th, is electrifying, thought provoking and exudes excellence in execution.

Throughout the performance, a running theme in my mind surrounded the concept of 'hurry hurry..calm down...hurry hurry..calm down'. This has a lot, or everything, to do with my own lifestyle, but I also found it to be relative to how we're living in this 21st century space.  To see that mindset danced out so beautifully on stage was definitely an 'aha' moment.

The finale performance 'Counting', a segment in Alonzo King's world premier of The Steady Heart, with music by Jean-Phillippe Rykiel & Lama Gyurme, was a 'sitting on the edge of your seat' captivating experience where you were as drawn to the music as you were to the entire company of performers dancing at perfection!  Every move of the dancers were in rymthic synch with the music and one could only guess what move or rhythm was next.  Now that was 'the best'!  An online standing ovation to Alonzo King for nailing it yet again!

After dancing with the company for the last 7 years Caroline Rocher (pic above) is moving on to new ventures in her life and this is her last season with Alonzo King LINES Ballet.  Caroline trained at the Conservatoire de Montpellier in the south of France and has been dancing for over 20 years.  Among Caroline's many accolates, she appears in the 2012 HBO movie Hemingway and Gellhorn, staring Nicole Kidman and Clive Owen.

Caroline has used her ballerina skills on the runway at fashion industry events and most recently at the 9th Annual Fashion On The Square, wearing couture designer Colleen Quen's design.

Alonzo King enjoys time with the supporters
 during the reception

About Alonzo King LINES Ballet
According to Alonzo King, the term LINES alludes to all that is visible in the phenomenal world.  There is nothing that is made or formed without a LINE.  Straight and circle encompass all that we see.  Whatever can be seen is formed by a LINE.  Alonzo King LINES Ballet is a celebrated contemporary ballet company that has been guided since 1982 by the unique artistic vision of Alonzo King collaborating with noted composers, musicians, and visual artists from around the world.

A few of the former dancers joined us at the reception and they were simply delightful!  For more about this season's performance and Alonzo King LINES Ballet's educational programs visit www.linesballet.org.  Purchase Tickets.