ESSENCE proudly announces the day-by-day line-up for the ESSENCE Empowerment Experience, taking place July 1-3 in New Orleans at the 17th annual ESSENCE Music Festival. Having already announced participation by Steve Harvey, Iyanla Vanzant, Terry McMillan, Soledad O’Brien, Rev. Al Sharpton, Tavis Smiley, Dr. Cornel West, CeCe Winans and Marvin Sapp, the dynamic ESSENCE Empowerment Experience “Weekend of Transformation” has added CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, The View hostess and actress Sherri Shepherd, “Jumping the Broom” star Laz Alonso, commentator Sophia Nelson and an array of others.

“The ESSENCE Music Festival’s unique offering of world-class music, arts and culture also features one-of-a-kind enrichment opportunities within the Empowerment Experience,” states Michelle Ebanks, President of ESSENCE Communications Inc. “This year’s theme of ‘transformation’ is perfectly aligned with the ESSENCE brand mission to uplift and inspire, which we accomplish via critical information and dialogue from our nation’s top thinkers and innovators over three full days.”

The 2011 ESSENCE Empowerment Experience is free and open to the public. The day-by-day line-up (as of 5/12) is as follows:

Friday, July 1: “Transforming Your Life” – Sponsored by My Black is Beautiful

“Family Feud” auditions with show producers and live segments hosted by Steve Harvey “Conversation with Sherri Shepherd and Demetria L. Lucas,” led by an ESSENCE editor Keynote address: Iyanla Vanzant Keynote address: “Choose Love” by Phill Wilson “Terry McMillan Presents,” featuring authors Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts, Dolen Perkins-Valdez, Danielle Evans and Tayari Jones “Reel Men on Real Love,” featuring Laz Alonso, Terrence J., Lamman Rucker and Thompson Young

Saturday, July 2: “Transforming Your Community” – Sponsored by U.S. Army

“Conversation with Steve Harvey,” led by Soledad O’Brien “America I Am: The African-American Imprint,” hosted by Tavis Smiley, featuring Dr. Cornel West, Iyanla Vanzant, Tom Burrell and Jeff Henderson “Conversation With Terry McMillan,” led by Soledad O’Brien Keynote Address – Rev. Al Sharpton “Black in America: Historically Black College and University Discussion”, moderated by Soledad O’Brien “State of Black Women,” moderated by ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief Constance White, featuring Dr. C. Nicole Mason, Sophia Nelson, Louisiana State Senator Karen Carson Peterson “Women of Reality TV,” moderated by Anderson Cooper, featuring the leading women of reality television including: NeNe Leakes, Cynthia Bailey, Shaunie O’Neal, Evelyn Lozada and Tami Roman

Sunday, July 3: “Transforming Your Soul” – Sponsored by Verizon

“All-Star Gospel Salute” featuring CeCe Winans and Marvin Sapp A full-day of praise and worship, with performances by Kierra Sheard, Deitrick Haddon and Dr. Juanita Bynum, Kelly Price, Tyronne Foster and the Arc Singers, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and Fred Hammond Opening/Closing Prayer by Bishop Lester Love

7x Stellar Award Winner, Grammy and Dove Award nominated Songwriter & Producer Stan Jones officially debuts his single “Love Somebody” today.

Jones’ anticipated single “Love Somebody” is from the forthcoming album More 2 Me tentatively scheduled for a September 2011 release. 

Stan Jones has continued presence on Billboard charts having penned the powerful worship tune “He Has His Hands on You” by Marvin Sapp, currently the #9 Gospel song in the country according to Billboard’s Hot Gospel Song Chart.

Jones is predicted to have a standout year of much deserved success and new innovative material that is sure to inspire fans and peers alike.

For radio servicing and interviews contact CCA at 914/560-3735.

About Stan Jones: Stan began demonstrating his range of artistic gifts at age 12. Born into a musically inclined family, Stan grew up listening to an array of artists but early favorites included Commissioned and The Winans. Leaving home after High School to handle production duties and play drums for The Bolton Brothers laid the foundation for his career path as well as mentorship by The Williams Brothers which led to his first album placement: “What’s Wrong With Right” on Doug Williams’ 2003 solo debut. Today the 2x Grammy nominee, 4x Dove Award nominee, 7x Stellar Award winner and 13x Mississippi Music Award winning Producer/Songwriter/Singer resides in Jackson, MS where he is co-owner of the Terminal Studios recording facility.

The Stellar Awards will introduce two new categories for its 27th Annual presentation. The committee has added “Spoken Word CD Recording of the Year” while revamping the “Music Video of the Year” category into “Long Form Video of the Year” and “Short Form Video of the Year.” Nomination submissions for the 27th annual Stellar Awards are open through June 30, 2011 at the Stellar awards website.

For an example of a long-form music video, take a look at Deitrick Haddon’s new video ‘Church on the Moon Part I’ below.

Shirley Murdock’s musical journey recently brought her to uncharted territory as she recorded her first Live CD & DVD for her upcoming release appropriately titled, The Journey. Based on audience response and early buzz surrounding the recording, it was hard to believe that it was the first live album for the veteran artist. Grammy Award winning producer, Cedric Thompson was tapped to produce the project.

Held at The Broadcast Group Complex in Fort Mill, SC, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation from those involved with the recording as well as the crowd. Many of Shirley’s industry friends were also in attendance including: Pastor Donnie McClurkin, actress /filmmaker Terri Vaughn (The Steve Harvey Show), Tom Joyner Morning show contributor Jawn Murray, and Bet.com’s Torrence Glenn.

Charlotte’s own Praise 100.9 radio personality, Melanie Clark guided the crowd through the night as Shirley graced the stage with her signature style and vocals.

The crowd rose to its feet as Shirley opened up the recording with the jubilant, pulsating praise song, “He is God” before smoothly transitioning to the jazzy “Upward Way” featuring R&B great, Regina Belle. Longtime friends, you could feel their instant connection between the two legendary singers.

Shirley surprised the audience as she went ‘straight-to-church’ with Gospel powerhouse Beverly Crawford on the foot-stomping song, “He Is the Rock”. The excitement remained on the catchy and grooved song “Rejoice Come On” which showcased the precise blended of the background vocalists, which also included Gospel singer Lejuene Thompson.

As one who typically takes the opportunity to reverence the Lord in her live appearances, Shirley wrapped up the first set with the worship song, “Lord You Reign”. Even after Murdock exited the stage to prepare for the next set, the song clearly struck a chord in the hearts of the audience as they continued to worship God.

The latter half of the recording was just as thrilling as the first. Attendees received yet another surprise guest appearance as R&B/Gospel sensation Kelly Price joined Murdock on the cherished song, “Lovin’ Me”, melodically singing of God’s sweet love.

There were other great songs that spoke of destiny, hope, encouragement, and unity including the finale song, “Someday”, which featured all of the illustrious guest singers.

As the crowd exited the building, positive comments regarding the night filled the corridors and spilled out into the parking lot. One person even sent Shirley a personal message via Facebook about her experience: “Several of my sisters and I attended this recording and I must say it was absolutely wonderful. I was tremendously blessed and would like to say that this is an experience that I will never forget.”

The individual went on to compliment Ms. Murdock on her ministry: “Shirley, the one thing that will make me follow you is your realness. Your personality is that of a true woman of God who know[s] who she is in Christ. I can’t wait to get the CD and look forward to another live recording! May God continue to bless you in all that you do”.

Shirley Murdock’s first live CD/DVD recording was a great expression of praise, worship, love and Shirley’s heart and personal journey.

The Journey will be released on Tyscot Music & Entertainment in October 2011. This will be Murdock’s second CD and first DVD with the label.

Trailing on the heels of a recent box office success, Bishop T.D. Jakes is looking to produce another hit, this time with the help of a veteran Hollywood producer. Set to co-produce with Joe Roth, former chairman of 20th Century Fox and Walt Disney Studios, Jakes ventures to tackle next the current New York Times #1 Bestseller, Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back.

Written by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent, the true story chronicles Burpo’s now 11-year-old son’s near-death experience during an emergency appendectomy operation when he was 3-years-old.

Son of a small town Nebraska pastor, Colton survived to tell his at-first skeptical parents about his experience in heaven, sharing details that he would have never known about – like meeting his miscarried sister and his long-dead grandfather.

He also describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, the bloody wounds on Jesus’ palms, about how the Holy Spirit shot down power from heaven to help believers, and how “reaaaally big” God and His chair are.

Though the story is told through Colton’s eyes, the book is narrated by his father who decided to turn his son’s spiritual encounter into a 163-page inspirational book with a simple message – heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, there is a coming last battle.

The Jake and Roth combination is sure to propel much interest already, with Roth’s “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Three Musketeers,” just to name a few, and Jakes’ recent “Jumping the Broom” in between the two.

Roth, having a wide range of films under his belt, shared his surprise that nobody in Hollywood had called before he had about the book, as sales were surpassing every expectation of the publisher –Thomas Nelson, Inc – and breaking company sales records in the millions.

The film executive told Deadline he became curious about the book, which reminded him of “The Sixth Sense,” after seeing it on The New York Times Bestseller Lists, about six weeks ago.

And just as the book made its way into mainstream audiences, Roth jumped on the chance to produce, predicting that it would sell 10 million copies before the year was over.

Deadline reported that Roth will soon meet with the Burpo family. Roth stated that he doesn’t believe the film will be limited to a faith-based audience.

“There isn’t anyone in the world who wouldn’t like to know what is waiting for them,” Roth shared with Deadline. “When you consider this little boy came back and knew 9 or 10 things that he shouldn’t have, to me, this is about hope. From that standpoint, it’s non-secular.”

Speculations that Sony Pictures has acquired the screen rights to the book are circulating, though Sony spokesperson Steve Elzer – senior vice president of Media Relations told The Christian Post he could not confirm that the book was acquired “quite yet.”

An announcement from Sony is likely to be made in the coming days.

Heaven Is for Real was purportedly brought in by Sony Pictures executive DeVon Franklin, a Christian minister who recently published a book entitled, Produced By Faith: Navigating the Road to Success Without Compromising Your True Self, according to Deadline.

Widely acclaimed already in the literary world, with the three millionth copy recently printed, the book is expected to achieve nothing less on the big screen.

So how does 11-year-old Colton feel about all of the newborn success?

“People are getting blessed, and they’re going to have healing from their hurts,” he said. “I’m happy for that.”

During a visit to “The Talk” last week, Angela Bassett says she has signed on to re-team with Whitney Houston, Loretta Devine and Lela Rochon for a sequel to “Waiting to Exhale.”

The movie, adapted from Terry McMillan’s 1992 novel of the same name, was directed by Forest Whitaker.

Bassett responded to recent speculation that the original cast are ready to reunite for the sequel, saying, “It’s preliminary, but it’s going to happen, Waiting to Exhale 2. McMillan wrote ‘Getting to Happy’ and she’s written the screenplay. … Loretta, Lela, Whitney, Forest. Forest is working on the script now.”

The 1995 film was a financial success, opening at No. 1 at the North American box-office and grossing $14.1 million in its first weekend of release. In total the movie made $67 million in the U.S. and a further $14.4 million internationally.

Bassett is in theaters now with “Jumping the Broom,” and recently finished work on the forthcoming superhero movie “Green Lantern” with Ryan Reynolds.

Things are still smoking over at Black Smoke Music Worldwide where the Houston-based label’s music continues to fire up gospel music playlists everywhere. The label has placed a dozen songs on the Billboard ‘s national gospel charts over the last year such as the #1 smashes “I Believe” by James Fortune & FIYA and Earnest Pugh’s “Rain On Us.” Pugh is destined for another #1 with his new radio single “I Need Your Glory” (now available for digital download at online stores) that was written and originally recorded by James Fortune. “The song has a lyric that says less of me and more of you is what I need,” says Pugh. “The book of John says it like this: He must increase and I must decrease. That song made me take an inventory of where I was in my walk and was I really decreasing and allowing God to increase in me as an artist?

“In my quest to get clarity,” Pugh continues. “One morning while in prayer I asked the Lord to show me His glory. His response to me was, If you really want to see my glory you will have to put away your airs and pretense and come to me honestly about your struggles, challenges and your shortcomings.’ He would no longer allow me to sing, dance and shout over them. It was at that point that I yielded to Him and He revealed his presence to me in a mighty way.”

A Memphis native who got his start singing with O’Landa Draper & the Associates, Pugh released his first solo CD in 2006 and showed off his five-octave vocals on the radio hit “Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up.” After years of making respectable forays into gospel, Pugh finally hit it big in 2009 with his #1 smash “Rain On Us” which led to TV appearances on BET’s “Celebration of Gospel” and TBN’s “Praise The Lord.” The new CD “Earnestly Yours” hits stores June 28th. Visit www.earnestpugh.com or www.mrkerrydouglas.com for more information.

Stellar Award winning recording artist Troy Sneed is following up his recent Top Ten smashes “Work it Out,” “The Struggle is Over” (#1 for 12 weeks) and ”Hallelujah” with a brilliant new track destined to eclipse them all. The new single “My Heart Says Yes” is #5 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart and headed towards the #1 position. A departure for Sneed and the gospel field, the soothing acoustic ballad can easily play between tracks by Robin Thicke or Maxwell on adult R&B stations where its also gaining airplay. ‘”Yeah, I get a lot of that,” Sneed laughs. “A lot of people didn’t think that was me singing at first because of the overall sound and feel of the song and the falsetto.”

“Supporting Sneed is a simple, delicate ostinato melody with a Brazilian beat led by acoustic guitar and muted percussion,” Bob Marovich writes in The Black Gospel Blog. “Understated and hushed, ideal for that moment in a worship service when easy does it.” Sneed’s first album in almost two years was scheduled for a late summer release but the single’s early and stratospheric success has led him to release the ten-song CD “My Heart Says Yes” (Emtro Gospel/ MSRP $13.98) on May 10, 2011.

The title-song isn’t a stand-alone track. The set includes an unplugged version of “My Heart Says Yes” and other soulfully stripped down performances of “Holy is the Lamb,” “Glorify The Lord” and the “Ole School Worship Medley” that features refrains from the hymns “In The Garden” and “Walk in the Light.” The inspirational tracks “Sunshine” and “Hold On” boast old school R&B grooves. “Tell The Lord You Love Him” is a quartet track, “Great & Marvelous” is an anthem of praise and “Great Jehovah” is a Contemporary Christian music styled worship tune. “Praise and worship is a big part of my ministry,” Sneed explains. “Those kinds of songs minister to me first. This record is real praise and worship but it’s got that contemporary edge that makes it accessible to people of all ages, races, in church or out of church.”

The public probably first noticed Sneed as an actor in the film “The Preacher’s Wife.” He also coached the Georgia Mass Choir for the Whitney Houston soundtrack. He later recorded solo albums for Savoy Records before launching his own Emtro Gospel Records label in 2005. Ever since, the label has placed 18 songs by various artists on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart, including a half dozen by Sneed.

This was too funny!  I just hope they get paid by McDonalds for this one.  Watch the video below.

A recent crime inside a local Detroit church is raising plenty of eyebrows and questions.  My Fox Detroit reports that a man walked in a church and robbed the church offering plate at gunpoint.  

“To walk up in a church and rob a church … you’re doing something that’s pretty bad for you,” said Pastor Booker T. Williams.

He has presided over his faithful congregation at the Hicks Memorial Church of God in Christ on Mack Avenue for almost 29 years and has never seen anything similar happen.

“God says revenge belongs to me, and God will take care of him,” Pastor Williams said.

The suspect is a 20 to 25-year-old man who got in line at Sunday service to leave an offering on the table. Instead, he is alleged to have stolen all the money, probably about $200.

“He just took the money and just showed them the gun,” said Sherry Williams, the pastor’s daughter. “Said, ‘Don’t make this any harder’ and pretty much walked off.”

The suspect sat in the very back corner of the church through the entire service. Parishioners now say they may have seen him at the church before about a month ago with another man, and they think they were casing the place.

“You feel secure in a church. You feel safe in a church. It’s God’s house. You never expect that to happen,” said Detroit Police Commander Steve Dolunt.

He told us the suspect had a black backpack with blue trim. He wore a black hood and gloves and left the church on foot.

“I guess it’s a cry for help, but to go to a church? You feel safe there, and we need the public’s help on this one,” Dolunt said.

The pastor is just grateful nobody was hurt and hopeful the suspect will be caught.

“I guess I have to pray for him. That (is) about the best I can do,” Pastor Williams told us.

Anyone with information can contact Detroit Police at (313) 596-5940.