Hi!

What’s the 411 on what women of color prefer to wear this summer out East?  Well if you are wondering, “out East where”?  We are referring to the Hamptons (Long Island, New York). We caught up with a few Roberto Cavalli fans recently, an Urban Zen fan, and a Nicole Young afficianado! Who knew that so many beautiful African American women were styling HOT & HEAVY in Les Hamptons.

Roberto Cavalli was the designer of choice recently of our own UPTOWN Magazine Publisher Jocelyn Taylor, as well as of Washington DC/Hamptons Socialite Jaci Reid.  Ms. Taylor was a head turner in a pale silk halter with jeweled neck, and mutli-colored, multi print capri pants.  Mrs. Reid wore a pale blue t-shirt and matching multi-colored, mutli-print full length skirt–each at the VH1 Summer of Soul Concert 2008.

Looks like cool, breezy, pale-hued colors via looks that cry–I am social and sophisticated and I am relaxed about it.  At least that’s what Actress Jurnee Smollett’s outfit seemed to relay, when we ran into her in the VIP lounge at the same event!  Ms. Smollett wore a dress by Urban Zen,*** a natural pieced linen/silk and linen jersey pleated column gown in the color Chalk.

Lastly we bumped into New York City based Designer Nicole Young at The Mercedes-Benz Bridgehampton Polo Challenge just last weekend. Ms. Young was elegantly styled in one of her own halter, multi-print full length dresses…stunning!

Stay tuned for more, it’s sure to get HOTTER!

***-Urban Zen is the latest clothing collection by Designer Donna Karan.

*photos via Blackberry by The Quest for “it”

Hi!

Have you heard? Our longtime friends Shane & Shawn Ward, of Denty fame, will be appearing as guests on the Wendy Williams Show this Friday, July 25th 10:00 am Eastern Standard Time.  Mark your calendars and make sure you don’t miss this EXCLUSIVE daytime interview with Shane, Shawn and Wendy Williams. Check your local listings for the channel and time of the show.

Hello!

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with the renown CNN Anchorwoman, Soledad O’Brien on the red carpet of Russell Simmons’ Art for LIfe East Hampton 2008. Ms. O’Brien served as the evening’s host addressing a bevy of celebrity attendees, as well as leaders in the field of entertainment, arts, business, and philanthropic communities. We spoke with Ms. O’Brien about her current groundbreaking project for CNN entitled Black in America–a four month on-air and digital initiative. In addition, we asked her thoughts on Rush Philantropic’s Art for Life Project and how she became involved, and subsequently serve as this year’s host.

Tell us a little bit about your current project CNN’s Black in America and what that would mean to the African American audience…

SO: I think it’s never really been done before–we’re taking a 4 hour look at African Americans in this country, really focusing specifically on the last 40 years with the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. When we look today, where do we stand as black people in this country, we’ve been very fortunate in terms of the interest in Barack Obama’s candidacy because people want to talk about race, and they want to talk about the history of black people in this country. I think in a way we haven’t had these discussions before. I think people are really excited, we’ve had wonderful feedback and lots of screenings, and we focus on the stories about black people that you never really see in mainstream media. You know, often you feel like black people are rappers, ball players, Condaleeza Rice and that’s it, and we rarely focus on the black middle class–we focus on people who are succeeding, some people who are failing, and why what’s going on in this country, what’s going on policy-wise, and looking at racisms across a wide spectrum of regular people; it’s been such a thrill to be part of it, and it’s going to air next week so I’m ready for it to be done.

What was your hand in the CNN Black in America Project?

SO: You know they (CNN) came to me wih the topic, we want to do 4 hours of blacks in America. My hand in it has been very strong, so I hope everybody will like it because if they don’t, I take full blame. It has been a really wonderful opportunity and as a bi-racial woman it has been really interesting to explore those same exact questions. I am really proud of it–I mean obviously we have a giant team of people working on it from producers to people in marketing–you know, across the board photographers who are amazing. Really, we’ve tried hard to make it the story of black Americans in this country.

Tell us a little bit about your hosting duties for Art for Life 2008…how did you get involved? What about you do you think facilitated their decision in choosing you?

SO: You know, I can’t answer that, although I do have a pretty long and well-known history working with charities and working with young people. I have four kids, but even before I had kids I really loved the idea of putting your time and your efforts, and your money frankly into helping young people who are often dis-advantaged and that’s the connection–anybody that knows me knows that. Also, I’ve known Russell for a long time, he is part of our documentary Black in America, and I was really honored that he thought of me. This organization is so well-known, so well-respected, and just renown at what they do for young people. So you know, how do you say “no” to Russell Simmons? How do you say “no” to a group that does such great work? So I was honestly thrilled on all points to be asked.

*photo from NYmag.com

Hello,

This year’s Art for Life East Hampton 2008 proved to be a very diverse soiree. In our second year of Art for Life coverage on the quest, and our first for UPTOWNlife.net, we decided early on to hone in on the cultural signifigance of the event as it relates to the community at large. Early to arrive were some of the event’s biggest pundits including CNN Anchorwoman Soledad O’Brien, New York Governor Robert Patterson, Artist/Activist Danny Simmons, Dr. Benjamin Chavis CEO & Co-Chairman of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, Executive Director of Rush Philanthropic Tangie Murray, and of course, Chairman of Rush Communications himself, Russell Simmons.

Art for Life Is….

The theme for this year? “Creativity”, and as Tangie Murray, the three-year Executive Director of Rush Philanthropic shared “We fund a lot of disadvantaged kids who wouldn’t otherwise have access– we really try to tap into their potential and help them, and instill a greater sense of self-esteem in them, and just really kind of give them a creative core from which they can kind of base their lives.”

Yes, the red carpet was the time for the real 411 on Art for Life and our burning question, what exactly has changed in a year as far as the organization’s goals? We spoke with Dr. Benjamin Chavis, CEO & Co-Chairman of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network who shared “one of our awardees is a GLOBAL icon you know– usually our awardees come from the US, this year we’re making an international award for Brother Motsepe whose from South Africa.”

The Fashion

As with any stellar event, the fashion worn by both men and women was a sight to behold.  We spoke with 3rd year attendee, Designer Edwing D’Angelo, on the red carpet, who had several of his designer pieces on display and sale at the evening’s auction. An Edwing D’Angelo standout up for live auction? … a beautiful strapless mini-skirt dress with a starting bid of $3,000. When asked was the dress done in shades of violet, in keeping with the theme color of the evening he responded “well, no it’s so close to fall, so I decided for a woman…if she’s going to buy it now to give her a fall dress”, makes perfect sense we thought.

Our own personal favorite on the carpet? Supermodel Honoree Christy Turlington’s silk dress by Nina Ricci in a dusty rose type color, and the dashing Armani ensemble worn by Danny Simmons.

The Program

As the evening’s program progressed over dinner, a retrospective film was viewed showing Russell Simmon’s commitment to art education, and speakers were announced intermittently and included notable New York Governor Robert Patterson.

The Auction

Each item up for the live auction (there was also a silent auction & online) was certainly calling its own audience, from high-end designer clothing to jewelry, books, rare photography etc. This year’s auction presented by CharityBuzz.com was a big one! The online auction site which went live June 23rd and will last through July 24th boasted many wonderful packages–notably celebrity experiences such as a private tennis lesson with Serena Williams or a personalized song via John Legend sung over the phone. The evenings live auction which began at nearly 10:00 pm really got the evening going. Auction item standouts, included WireImage Photographer Jonny Nunez’s “The Return of the Kings” (2006) photo and Journalist Jesse Nash’s Obama photo entitled “Puppet Man” (2006)

End Notes

Although our official reporting ended with the cocktail hour, Art for Life East Hampton 2008 was a pure delight from beginning to end–an enlightening evening dedicated to the arts, culture and the finest our society has to offer. All this and yes!, there was yet again a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream truck on the premises serving dedicated cups of the gourmet ice cream with all of the trimmings.

See you next year!

Additional Sightings

UPTOWN Magazine Publisher Jocelyn Taylor, Rush Athletics Head Designer Kevin Saer Leong, Free Magazine Publisher Todd Triplett, Booz Allen Hamilton Senior Vice President Reginald Van Lee, Publicist Marvette Britto, Singer Kenny Lattimer, Publicist R. Couri Hay, TV Personality & Journalist Gina Glickman, Entrepreneur Joe Francis and many more.

Photos 1-Atmosphere at the 9th Annual Art For Life Benefit Gala at Russell Simmons’ East Hampton Estate on Saturday, July 19, 2008 in East Hampton, NY. (Photo by Steve Mack/S.D. Mack Pictures)

Photo 2-Dr. Benjamin Chvia & Danny Simmons at the 9th Annual Art For Life Benefit Gala at Russell Simmons’ East Hampton Estate on Saturday, July 19, 2008 in East Hampton, NY. (Photo by Steve Mack/S.D. Mack Pictures)

Photo 3-Journalist Jesse Nash at the 9th Annual Art For Life Benefit Gala at Russell Simmons’ East Hampton Estate on Saturday, July 19, 2008 in East Hampton, NY. (Photo by Steve Mack/S.D. Mack Pictures)

Hi!

This past weekend’s VH1 Save the Music Foundation’s Summer of Soul Concert 2008 turned out to be an incredibly enlightening evening. Before the DAZZLING entertainment of R&B Crooner Ne-Yo, or the sounds of the hot new single’s off of Solange Knowles latest I Decided, were the red carpet entrances made by many of the evening’s honorees. The Quest for “it” caught up with VH1 Save the Music Foundation event hosts Jaci and Morris Reid. The African American Socialite super couple can be described as one of the most prominent, well-connected, and pro-active (both politically and socially) pairs on the Hamptons scene. The summer of 2007 meant several political fundraisers for the Reids’ at their sprawling East Hampton home; it looks like summer 2008 (although half way over) may be no different.  It was with great pleasure that we spoke to the Reids’ as they completed their round on the red carpet in regards to the VH1 event and well…a little politics………..

This is a major event for you both, is it not? We know last year you did not have the VH1 Save the Music Event….

Jaci Reid: No, not true actually, it was the Anniversary…so they wanted to do it in New York (Manhattan).

Morris Reid: It was the 10th Anniversary so we didn’t want to take away from the event that was going on in New York. We also had a commitment to the Clintons–we had President and Mrs. Clinton over to the the house. We wanted to live up to that Clinton commitment. We got a commitment out to Obama, so we might be bringing him in a few weeks, we’ll see how that works out. This is our baby (VH1event)– you know we thought of this–we love this charity–you know Jaci has really done a lot to support it and get it to go!

What, if anything is different this year? Is there anything different about the event?

Jaci Reid: I think the difference is…this year surprisingly enough & excitedly enough, we have two young performers who are of the age that the Hamptons likes to play with. So we have Solange and Ne-Yo who have both given their time for free to people of our age, and that is new, fresh, and going to be fun, and I think it is going to be very, very exciting! It’s going to be a great crowd and a great show!

That it was Jaci, that it was……

*photo by The Quest for “it”

Hi!

This past weekend’s VH1 Save the Music Foundation’s Summer of Soul Concert 2008 turned out to be an incredibly enlightening evening. Before the DAZZLING entertainment of R&B Crooner Ne-Yo, or the sounds of the hot new single’s off of Solange Knowles latest I Decided, were the red carpet entrances made by many of the evening’s honorees. The Quest for “it” caught up with VH1 Save the Music Foundation event hosts Jaci and Morris Reid. The African American Socialite super couple can be described as one of the most prominent, well-connected, and pro-active (both politically and socially) pairs on the Hamptons scene. The summer of 2007 meant several political fundraisers for the Reids’ at their sprawling East Hampton home; it looks like summer 2008 (although half way over) may be no different.  It was with great pleasure that we spoke to the Reids’ as they completed their round on the red carpet in regards to the VH1 event and well…a little politics………..

This is a major event for you both, is it not? We know last year you did not have the VH1 Save the Music Event….

Jaci Reid: No, not true actually, it was the Anniversary…so they wanted to do it in New York (Manhattan).

Morris Reid: It was the 10th Anniversary so we didn’t want to take away from the event that was going on in New York. We also had a commitment to the Clintons–we had President and Mrs. Clinton over to the the house. We wanted to live up to that Clinton commitment. We got a commitment out to Obama, so we might be bringing him in a few weeks, we’ll see how that works out. This is our baby (VH1event)– you know we thought of this–we love this charity–you know Jaci has really done a lot to support it and get it to go!

What, if anything is different this year? Is there anything different about the event?

Jaci Reid: I think the difference is…this year surprisingly enough & excitedly enough, we have two young performers who are of the age that the Hamptons likes to play with. So we have Solange and Ne-Yo who have both given their time for free to people of our age, and that is new, fresh, and going to be fun, and I think it is going to be very, very exciting! It’s going to be a great crowd and a great show!

That it was Jaci, that it was……

*photo by The Quest for “it”

Hello!

The 9th Annual Art for Life East Hampton event was all about CREATIVITY, and there was nothing more creative than the beautiful colors of the rainbow that walked the red carpet this past Saturday, July 19th. Honorees and supporters of Rush Philanthropic’s Art for Life benefit ranged from activists and politicians to celebrities and designers in a true multi-cultural myriad that included the renown CNN journalist Soledad O’Brien, legendary Aretha Franklin, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Governor Robert Paterson, UPTOWN Magazine’s Co-Ceo Len Burnett, TV Personality Julissa Bermudez, Designer Edwin D’Angelo and many more. UPTOWNlife.net was there to capture it ALL from via full length interviews to red carpet arrivals. To follow are select red carpet and candid shots from the very special evening.

Supermodel Christy Turlington & Russell Simmons at the 9th Annual Art For Life Benefit Gala at Russell Simmons’ East Hampton Estate on Saturday, July 19, 2008 in East Hampton, NY. (Photo by Steve Mack/S.D. Mack Pictures)

CNN Correspondant Alina Cho and Anchor woman/CNN Reporter Soledad O’Brien at the 9th Annual Art For Life Benefit Gala at Russell Simmons’ East Hampton Estate on Saturday, July 19, 2008 in East Hampton, NY. (Photo by Steve Mack/S.D. Mack Pictures)

Aretha Franklin at the 9th Annual Art For Life Benefit Gala at Russell Simmons’ East Hampton Estate on Saturday, July 19, 2008 in East Hampton, NY. (Photo by Steve Mack/S.D. Mack Pictures)

Gayle King at the 9th Annual Art For Life Benefit Gala at Russell Simmons’ East Hampton Estate on Saturday, July 19, 2008 in East Hampton, NY. (Photo by Steve Mack/S.D. Mack Pictures)

Julissa Bermudez at the 9th Annual Art For Life Benefit Gala at Russell Simmons’ East Hampton Estate on Saturday, July 19, 2008 in East Hampton, NY. (Photo by Steve Mack/S.D. Mack Pictures)

Fashion Blogger Tia Walker & BJ Coleman at the 9th Annual Art For Life Benefit Gala at Russell Simmons’ East Hampton Estate on Saturday, July 19, 2008 in East Hampton, NY. (Photo by Steve Mack/S.D. Mack Pictures

Hello!

Well the time has come! That amazingly perfect summer weekend in the Hamptons where prominent African Americans, and a few non- African Americans, converge for a stylishly worthy gala event at the home of Chairman of Rush Communications, Russell Simmons.

The Art for Life East Hampton (Gala) 2008–A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream, is but a few days away! The lavish event, now in its 9th year, is not only a fashionable feast for the eyes, but Rush Philanthropic’s most important fundraiser.*** This Saturday, July 19th expect host, renowned CNN Journalist Soledad O’Brien to welcome guests to an evening of the following:  a live and silent auction conducted by Simon de Pury of unique art and luxury items, cocktails, dinner, salutations and honors. This year’s honorees include: former supermodel Christy Turlignton Burns, Caxton-Iseman’s Frederick J. Iseman, Brooklyn Museum of Art’s Arnold L. Lehman and Norman N. Feinberg, African Rainbow Mineral’s Motsepe Family–Patrice Motsepe and Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, RAT Entertainment’s Bret Ratner.

This year’s attire will be chic shades of Summer Violet….

For tickets please call (212) 254-6677, can’t make it to the Hamptons? please donate or bid online through the online charity auction via charitybuzz.com For more info please visit www.rushphilanthropic.org

***- 750 leaders in entertainment, arts, business, and the philanthropic communities are expected to attend.

Hi!

A true testament of time, the legendary Grandmaster Flash has come out with an outstanding no-holds barred memoir– Adventures of Grandmaster Flash: My Life, My Beats. On Wednesday July 16th beginning at 7:00 pm the legend will be signing copies of his new book at the Tribeca outpost of Barnes & Noble on 79 Warren at Greenwhich St.

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were instrumental in forging forth hip-hop as a musical movement. Their group has been referred to as “a groundbreaking union between one DJ and 5 rapping MCs.” Songs like “The Message” and “Adventures of Grandmaster Flash” resonate in the ears of many African American’s bringing us that “back in the day” feeling in moments. However, the depth of these works is far greater than many realize, Grandmaster Flash as a DJ is responsible for two very important skills Breakbeat DJing and Turntabilism.***

Now the man who paved the way for today’s music industry mega stars such as Jay Z, Sean Diddy Combs, and 50 Cent recounts tales from his early days on the mean streets of the South Bronx to the heights of hip-hop stardom, losing millions at the hands of his record label, his downward spiral into cocaine addiction, and his ultimate redemption with the help and love of his family and friends. In this powerful memoir Flash recounts how music from the streets, much like rock and roll from a generation before became the sound of an era, and swept a nation with its funk, flavor and beat.

***-Breakbeat DJing entails remixing and creating a new piece of music by playing vinyl and turntables as musical instruments. Turntablism is the art of manipulating sounds and creating music through phonographic turntables and a mixer. Flash took it a step further by cutting, rubbing, back spinning and mixing records focusing on breaks.

Hi!

The official launch of VOTE FOR IT! ‘08, www.voteforit08.org, a Hip- Hop, celebrity driven, non-partisan and national “Get Out the Vote” PSA campaign, which already has garnered over 700,000 views on You Tube in just one week, took place last ight at Room Service NYC. The VOTE FOR IT ‘08 PSA was created by CPX Interactive, one of the world’s largest online ad networks, in partnership with the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), the largest international coaliton of hip-hop artists, entertainment industry leaders, education advocates, civil rights proponents and youth leaders. VOTE FOR IT! ‘08 features everyone from Snoop Dogg to LL Cool J, from Stephanie Brown of the NAACP to George Lucas of Lucas Films. Media sponsors Time Warner Cable, Advertising Age and Giant Magazine supporters launched events with over 300 celebrity friends and VIP guests from the entertainment, media, and advertising industries. The VOTE FOR IT ‘08 PSA will be airing on Time Warner Cable’s network in August as part if this national campaign.

*photo of DJ Clue, Executive Director of HSAN Valeisha Butterfield, Executive Vice President Kevin Liles of Warner Music Group, Video Director Lil X , Chairman of Rush Communications Russell Simmons, and co-host of BET’s 106 & Park Rocsi courtesy of Johnny Nunez/Wire Image