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Birmingham /

Access205 Magic City Classic Entertainment Guide 2022

The Magic City Classic is the largest historically black college and university (HBCU) football game in the country.

Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University play in the game annually at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama, and the winner could potentially earn a spot in the SWAC.

It’s not too late to purchase tickets (click on the images) and view the guide below.

Access205 Entertainment Guide:

1.  BBQ and Blues Festival with The Manhattans
Sunday, October 23th from 12 pm – 4 pm

2.  Stop The Violence featuring Master P
Tuesday, October 25th starting at 6 pm

3.  Alumni Block Party
Wednesday, October 26th, 7 pm – 10 pm

4.  2022 IGNITE Empowerment Summit (click on the image)
Tuesday, October 25th from 8 am – 3 pm

5.  Stokley Magic City Classic Tailgate Festival
Thursday, October 27th; Gates Open at 4 pm | Event Starts at 6 pm

6.  Magic City Classic Giveaway Wednesdays
** Online **

7.  The Ultimate King of Pop Experience
Thursday, October 27th Doors Open at 6 pm | Starts at 7 pm

8.  Magic City Classic Afrobeats Party by AfroLuzionz (click on the image)
Saturday, October 29th at 10:30 p.m. – Sunday, October 30th at 4 pm

9.  Magic City Classic Weekend “5th Annual” Friday Night Soiree at The Harbert (click on the image)
Friday, October 28th at 9 pm – Saturday, October 29th at 2:30 am

10.  Rickey Smiley Morning Show Live
Thursday, October 27th from 5 am – 9 am

11.  Welcome to Birmingham The Opening Ceremony (click on the image)
Thursday, October 27th from 8:30 pm to 12 am

12.  Thursday Night Live Karaoke Showcase (click on the image)
Thursday, October 27th from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

13. The Classic Kid Capri Party (click on the image)
Friday, October 28th from 9 pm – 2 am

14.  Sunshine and Wine
Friday, October 28th, 2 pm – 7 pm

15.  11th Annual Battle of The Choirs
Wednesday, 26th Doors Open at 6 pm

16.  Stardome Featuring:  Rod Man (click on the image)
Friday, October 28 – Saturday, October 30 | Doors Open at 5:45 pm, Show Starts at 7 pm

17.  Behind The Mask
Wednesday, October 26th Doors Open at 5 pm | Show Starts at 6 pm

18.  Magic City Classic Post-Game Concert
Saturday, October 29th

19.  McDonald’s MAGIC CITY CLASSIC 2022 (click on the image)
Tailgate starts at 10 am – 2 pm | Game begins at 2:30 pm

Additional Events for The Season:

Music Fest:  Turkey Day Classic 2022
Wednesday, November 23rd
Doors Open at 7 pm | Showtime at 8 pm

Access205, LLC. is a social media advertising and email blast company that specializes in designing and managing e-mail blast campaigns for events and businesses in Bham, AL. With our email blast campaigns and flyer distribution, your business and/ or events will receive great exposure and experience an increase among current customers and potential customers.

Kimberly West Agency™ is a boutique public relations firm specializing in brand design, image consulting, influencer marketing, media relations, social media planning, and special events planning.

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Birmingham /

Le Diner en Blanc Birmingham 2022: The City’s Elegant All-White Picnic

Elegance was the word used to describe Le Diner en Blanc Birmingham 2022.  On September 17th, the magic city was engulfed with several surprises during this exclusive event!

Arrivées

Table Leaders were amazed to arrive with their assigned group at Railroad Park.  For those that don’t know, Railroad Park is located in the heart of downtown Birmingham.  It was the PERFECT location for the elegant, all-white picnic!

Additionally, guests came together underneath the stars and gathered to live music, a 360 photo booth, and an adult moon bounce.  The best surprise was the giant hot air balloon that even captured the attention of the local news station, asking, “What is happening in the city tonight?”

Le Diner En Blanc Birmingham was hosted by the event management company, Destination Birmingham, owned by Jasmine and Lynda Allen.  The dynamic team not only coordinated the entire event but manages a group of dedicated volunteers!

La Conclusion

Above all, Le Diner En Blanc Birmingham was a successful and enchanting evening for those in Alabama.

Le Dîner en Blanc Birmingham

Photo Credit: Le Dîner en Blanc

 

Le Diner en Blanc Pro-Tip (s)!

  • Register with an email account that receives messages.
  • Guests should arrive in comfortable shoes and change for photos.
  • Try not to overcomplicate the packing process; have the DEB essentials.
  • Dress according to the weather in your region.
  • Do not forget to pack your umbrella.
  • Be mindful of the beverage selections but remember that you can bring your own sodas/water.
  • Purchase your cart, chairs, wagon, and table three weeks prior to the event.
  • Do not wear off-white; this is an all-white affair.
Diner en Blanc Traditions Birmingham
Le Dîner en Blanc is an elegant large-scale picnic from Paris

Most importantly, remember that Le Diner en Blanc is what you make of it!  jusqu’à la prochaine fois

If you like this post, click here:  Le Diner en Blanc Birmingham 2021- The Magic City Sparkled #DEBBHAM

Accessories /

BADGLEY MISCHKA DEBUTS THE SPRING 2023 COLLECTION

Badgley Mischka, the iconic American design house that exemplifies timeless glamour, debuted its spring 2023 collection at Spring  Studios on September 11th at 3:00 PM EST. This latest collection draws its inspiration from Mark Badgley and James’ Mischka recent travels to Morocco and celebrates the captivating allure and magic of the fabled Marrakesh and the city of Casablanca, which they had imagined so many times.

 

“Spring 2023 is about building bridges and forging alliances.  After two long years of staying in place, we were finally able to put our feet on the ground of a distant shore,” said Mark Badgley.

 

James Mischka added, “We brought back colors, smells, and experiences from the Medina and the Casbah, burnishing them to a cosmopolitan polish. We partnered with some of Casablanca’s famous workrooms to create embroideries and gowns inspired by tales of the desert and the sea, making them perfect for glamorous evenings in Beverly Hills or London.”

 

“Our print studios created artwork from our descriptions of the spices, the fruit, and the flowers we discovered, and brought them home. The hidden energy of the desert and the calm of the oasis meet the pulse of the nightlife in this collection.  Colors are spare and luscious – chalk, terracotta, ocean, aloe, melon, mango, pomegranate, and limon,” Badgley concluded.

 

For more information and to watch the show on the LiveStream please go to: www.badgleymischka.com

 

In addition to showcasing their latest collection, Badgley Mischka has partnered with Covet Fashion , the virtual styling platform that brings top fashion brands to women around the world, for the annual Covet Fashion Week in-game event. The event gives players first access to see and play with the new collection, allowing them to give their in-game looks and avatars fashion week makeovers. The annual in-game event, Covet Fashion Week, a digital celebration of fashion from the hottest runways, features limited-time daily style challenges and exclusive behind-the-scenes looks from NYFW. Then, starting at 9:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, September 11, players can live their Covet Fashion Week fantasy when The Badgley Mischka Style Challenge becomes available. The challenge will give players an exclusive first look at the collection via the Badgley Mischka NYFW22 SS23 Runway Stream and special in-game features.

 

About Badgley Mischka

Over the past thirty years, Badgley Mischka has flourished into a true lifestyle brand recognizable worldwide. To date, the Badgley Mischka brand includes multiple product categories such as Eveningwear, Day Dresses, Sportswear, Outerwear, Bridal, Swimwear, Footwear, Handbags, Eyewear, Timepieces, and Jewelry. Mark Badgley and James Mischka’ s timeless designs appeal to a wide range of fashionable women including Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Sharon Stone, Jennifer Garner, Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, Helen Mirren, Taylor Swift, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Carrie Underwood. Badgley Mischka is sold in the most prestigious stores in the world including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Harrods, and Harvey Nichols in addition to the Badgley Mischka flagship boutique in Los Angeles. For additional information, please visit www.badgleymischka.com.

Celebrity /

Emmys 2022: How The Night’s Biggest Winners Got Red Carpet Ready

Emmy winners Quinta Brunson and Sheryl Lee Ralph, presenters Mindy Kaling and Angela Bassett, along with Abbott Elementary star Lisa Ann Walter and Rebecca Rittenhouse prepped for TV’s biggest night with one-of-the-kind treatments from Sarah Akram!

The stars got red carpet ready by visiting Sarah Akram for her signature SA Luxury Treatment ($350; www.sarahakramskincare.com) that combines a customized blend of products with cutting-edge technologies to produce immediate, remarkable results while supporting maximum skin health, prior to attending the 74th Annual Primetime Emmys.

 ABOUT SARAH AKRAM

Sarah Akram provides the best in customized skincare treatments, and modern technology with all-natural products, bringing anti-aging skincare to a whole other level. Without breaking down the skin with laser treatments, Sarah has discovered a way to provide effective skincare treatments to clients that leave them looking and feeling younger at the end of a session.

As a board-licensed Master Esthetician, Sarah is one of the most sought-after skincare specialists on the East Coast. With a roster of loyal A-list clients, Sarah was able to build a successful business in both New York City and Washington, D.C., where she was born and raised. After years of splitting her time between two cities, Sarah decided to lay down roots in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia to open up her own skincare boutique in 2015.

Fortunate to have been mentored by world-renowned skincare experts early in her career, Sarah is thrilled to offer the most effective, cutting-edge skincare at her boutique. With a team of highly skilled Master Estheticians and exclusive partnerships with some of the world’s best product lines, Sarah delivers an all-natural path to anti-aging skincare.

Celebrity /

Real Housewife of NJ Dolores Catania Inspires RTA Outdoor Living’s Next Outdoor Kitchen

Dolores Catania has made a name for herself as one of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” on Bravo TV.  Now, her vision is coming to backyards across the country, as her unique outdoor kitchen concept was selected by the public as the winner of RTA Outdoor Living’s (RTAOutdoorLiving.com) “Choose Our Next Design” contest.

Catania’s “Cubed Outdoor Kitchen” beat out designs from Mike Pyle, host of HGTV’s Inside Out, and Kevin Lenhart, Design Director at Yardzen, the leading online landscape design and build platform. The new design will be available for purchase at RTAOutdoorLiving.com starting in 2023.

“I am so excited my square design won! It really is perfect,” said Dolores Catania. “I can cook and watch my family enjoy the food at the same time. And now, I’m so happy this design will help more families make beautiful memories together.”

Right off the bat… You’ll notice how unique this layout is. It’s not a straight, L shape, U shape, or even a galley style island. It’s a spacious square! There’s a reason behind this design twist, too. Dolores Catania loves to have Sunday dinners with her family, and the square outdoor kitchen brings the idea of a large, indoor dining room table outside. What better way to host than to have the entire family seated on the island?

As for the appliances in Dolores’ design, first, you’ll find the massive 42” Coyote grill! There’s plenty of space for grilling fish, burgers, or other preferred proteins. Underneath, you’ll see there’s a warming drawer. This feature is excellent if you frequently host large gatherings! However, Dolores’ favorite feature is the Coyote power burner, so she can cook everything outside… most importantly, her “Sunday sauce.”

ABOUT RTA OUTDOOR LIVING
RTA (ready-to-assemble) Outdoor Living was born from a desire to empower homeowners to create ideal outdoor spaces that encourage gathering and human connection. Our outdoor living features, manufactured in the heartland of America—Cambridge City, Indiana—achieve this purpose. At its core, RTA’s product line is a simplified alternative to outdoor masonry. Through this approach, we avoid the high costs associated with building outdoor kitchens from scratch. Our easy-to-install options make the luxury of an outdoor grill island attainable to everyone.  More information is at RTAOutdoorLiving.com

Celebrity /

Former First Lady Michelle Obama Announces New Book

Former first lady Michelle Obama, whose memoir “Becoming” became a global bestseller, is releasing a new book.

The book, “The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Certain Times,” will include lessons the former first lady says she has learned on “change, challenge and power” and overcoming obstacles in uncertain times.

“Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and First Lady, she shares the habits and principles she has developed to successfully adapt to change and overcome various obstacles—the earned wisdom that helps her continue to ‘become,'” the book’s publisher, Penguin Random House, said Thursday in a statement announcing the book.

“She details her most valuable practices, like ‘starting kind,’ ‘going high,’ and assembling a ‘kitchen table’ of trusted friends and mentors,” the statement continued. “With trademark humor, candor, and compassion, she also explores issues connected to race, gender, and visibility, encouraging readers to work through fear, find strength in community, and live with boldness.”

Obama’s book will be published on Nov. 15, 2022, in 14 languages and 27 countries around the world, according to Penguin Random House.

In her previous book, “Becoming,” Obama, a mother of two, detailed her journey from growing up on the South Side of Chicago to becoming First Lady of the United States.

The memoir sold more than 17 million copies around the globe, according to Penguin Random House, and its accompanying audiobook won a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album.

“Becoming” also turned into not just a bestselling book but a world tour for Obama, whose book tour consisted of stops in major arenas around the globe during which the former first lady was interviewed by high-profile people including Sarah Jessica Parker, Reese Witherspoon, and Oprah Winfrey.

Credit ABC News//Good Morning America

ABC /

Ashanti Joined “Good Morning America”

This morning, singer Ashanti joined “Good Morning America” to talk about rerecording her debut album to own her masters and her new children’s book.  In case you missed it, the performances included a special appearance from Ja Rule.

Ashanti performs a medley of hits on ‘GMA’ The Grammy-winning singer performs some of her most popular jams, including “Rock Wit U,” “Happy” and “Mesmerize,” and brings out a special guest.

Ashanti performs ‘Falling for You’ and ‘Foolish’ on ‘GMA’ The hit singer performs her brand-new song live for the first time along with one of her biggest hits.

Ashanti chats about new music and re-recording past hits The singer said she was inspired by Taylor Swift to re-record her debut album, which was released 20 years ago.

Credit: Good Morning America/ABC News

ABC /

Martin Lawrence and Tessa Thompson join “GMA” and Meg Thee Stallion Summer Concert Performers

In case you missed it, on “Good Morning America” actor and comedian Martin Lawrence talked about 30th anniversary of ‘Martin,’ and reunion special on BET+ as well as his favorite character and career.

Plus, actress Tessa Thompson discussed her latest role and “GMA” announced the 2022 summer concert series which will include performances from Meg Thee Stallion, Ozuna, and The Black Eyed Peas. Martin Lawrence talks about 30th anniversary of ‘Martin’ The comedy legend and the cast of the hit ’90s sitcom reunited for a new special on BET+.

Actress Tessa Thompson also discusses her role as Valkyrie in ”Thor: Love and Thunder” and Creed 3.

Plus GMA Announces 2022 Summer Concert Series Performers include such superstars as Megan Thee Stallion, aespa, the Black Eyed Peas, Ozuna, Demi Lovato and OneRepublic. 

 

Good Morning America” announces its sizzling hot lineup for the 2022 Summer Concert Series with K-pop girl group aespa kicking off the free concert series on Friday, July 8.

Sponsored by Massage Envy, this year’s concert series lineup includes some of the biggest stars in music, including OneRepublic, Megan Thee Stallion, Demi Lovato, Ozuna, and the Black Eyes Peas.

Each concert will take place from Rumsey Playfield in Central Park in New York City.

“GMA” Announcement Video

2022 Summer Concert Series Lineup:

This link will be updated as additional performances are announced.

·        July 8 – aespa #aespaonGMA

·        July 15 – OneRepublic #OneRepublicOnGMA

·        August 12 – Megan Thee Stallion #MeganTheeStallionOnGMA

·        August 19 – Demi Lovato #DemiLovatoOnGMA

·        August 26 – Ozuna #OzunaOnGMA          

·        September 2 – Black Eyed Peas #BlackEyedPeasOnGMA

Credit ABC News//Good Morning America

Birmingham /

100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die, Second Edition

Called the Magic City, Birmingham sprang up fast, as if a magician’s wand pulled skyscrapers out of a valley surrounded by mountains. In 100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die, Second Edition you’ll discover the famous places and hidden treasures of a city brimming with character, charm, and natural beauty. Whether it’s the best barbecue or martini, a picture-perfect round of golf, or where to find clothes by famed local designers, Birmingham native Verna Gates is ready to be your personal guide to the best the Magic City has to offer.

  • Birmingham has one of the few meat-and-three restaurants with a James Beard nomination. Plus, a restaurant named the best in America by James Beard. Other fascinating restaurants include the Original Whistle Stop Cafe, where Fannie Flagg’s aunt perfected fried green tomatoes.
  • The First Lady of Liquor and the runner-up in a global bartending contest both offer drinks in establishments in Birmingham.
  • Why are there elephants in Avondale? In the early days, Miss Fancy lived in the nearby park and gave rides to children. She also drank a gallon of beer a day, making her an entertainment icon.

Book Review:

This book is a must-have for anyone visiting the city or those that have resided here for years.  It’s organized according to food, drink, music, entertainment, sports, recreation, culture, and fashion.  Personally, I can’t wait to visit the Birmingham Museum of Art.  BMA is the perfect location to learn about the culture and find inspiration for those in the creative space.

Although I have grown up in Birmingham, after moving back to the Magic City, there are several events and activities that are new to me.  For example, I have never visited Gianmarco’s Italian restaurant or the Talladega Speedway!

100 Things To Do in Birmingham Before You Die is the perfect coffee-table book or reference when venturing “outside.”  To purchase your own copy, visit Barnes & Noble.

And, although this is the 2nd edition, I am confident there will be several new editions in the future!

About the Author:

Verna Gates was born in Birmingham and can trace her local heritage back four generations to a land grant farm. She began her career as one of the original crew that launched CNN.

After moving back to her beloved home, she spent 25 years covering the state for TIME Magazine and Reuters International. She has received a lifetime achievement award from the National Federation of Presswomen.

Beauty /

Black Beauty Roster & Lori Harvey Host Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence

To kick-off BET Awards Weekend, Black Beauty Roster (BBR) hosted an incredible luncheon event yesterday – Friday, June 24th – at the EDITION West Hollywood to honor top BIPOC beauty pros and industry leaders who work behind the camera. Speakers included Sir John, Larry Sims, Vernon François, Ebonee Davis, and more with a special keynote from Lori Harvey, founder and CEO of SKN by LH.

Notable attendees included MSNBC Host Symone Sanders, JT of City Girls, Chelsea Lazkani of Selling Sunset, Lauren Speed-Hamilton of Love is Blind. 

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Larry Sims and Candiace Dillard during the BBR Hosts Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence at The West Hollywood EDITION on June 24, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Black Beauty Roster)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Roche Barnes during the BBR Hosts Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence at The West Hollywood EDITION on June 24, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Black Beauty Roster)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Mike Snow during the BBR Hosts Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence at The West Hollywood EDITION on June 24, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Black Beauty Roster)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Mandy Aracena during the BBR Hosts Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence at The West Hollywood EDITION on June 24, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Black Beauty Roster)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Kayla Nicoleduring the BBR Hosts Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence at The West Hollywood EDITION on June 24, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Black Beauty Roster)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Christiana Cassell and Fesa Nu during the BBR Hosts Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence at The West Hollywood EDITION on June 24, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Black Beauty Roster)

Black Beauty Roster (BBR) and Lori Harvey Host Star-Studded Luncheon to Celebrate Black Beauty Excellence at the EDITION in West Hollywood

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Symone Sanders, Maude Okrah, Simone Tetteh and Alencia Jonson during the BBR Hosts Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence at The West Hollywood EDITION on June 24, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Black Beauty Roster)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Tulani Elisa, Lindsay Wagner and guest during the BBR Hosts Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence at The West Hollywood EDITION on June 24, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Black Beauty Roster)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Lori Harvey and Simone and Maude during the BBR Hosts Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence at The West Hollywood EDITION on June 24, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Black Beauty Roster)

ABOUT: Black Beauty Roster’s mission is to bring meaningful diversity across the fashion and entertainment industry by amplifying the work and talent of Black Beauty Professionals. Top talent, media, and celebrities in the industry came together to celebrate BIPOC beauty pros and industry leaders. Lori Harvey, founder and CEO of SKN by LH, presented the special keynote and Sir John presented the Allyship Award to Barry Lee Moe, the Department Head Award to Stacey Morris, the Legacy Award to Sam Fine, and finally the AJ Crimson Trailblazer Award to Kim Roxie. Event sponsors included Warner Bros. Discovery, Sephora, Kerastase, Oribe, Color of Change, and more.