Philly 360°'s Guide To The Fourth Annual Roots Picnic Saturday, June 4th 2011

On June 4th, Philly’s favorite hip-hop band returns to Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing for the Fourth Annual Roots Picnic. The action packed festival will once again squeeze tons of diverse and genre-bending musical talent into a single Saturday afternoon.

The Roots Picnic will host roughly 20 artists on two stages from hip-hop to rock, mainstream to underground. Check out some of the festival highlights and insider's tips below.

Musical Highlights:

The Roots Picnic, now in its fourth year, has seen The Roots take the stage with hip-hop legends like Public Enemy and the Wu-Tang Clan, and this year the band will play alongside Nas as he performs his influential 1994 debut album, Illmatic, in its entirety.

Keeping with the hip-hop theme, Pittsburgh’s Wiz Khalifa (responsible for the hit song, Black and Yellow) will also be gracing the main stage performing songs from his succesful debut album and his countless mixtapes.

Esperanza Spalding will be making her second trip to Roots Picnic, following up a very successful year, which saw the bassist, vocalist and composer collect the GRAMMY award for Best New Artist.

Other performers include Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti, rappers Yelawolf and Mac Miller, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and many more.

Oh, and of course, The Roots (who aren’t as easy to catch live since beginning their recent gig with Jimmy Fallon).

Insider Tips:

Below are a few tips to help you get the inside track on this year’s Roots Picnic.

• The Roots Picnic is an all-day affair, so be sure to dress comfortably (comfortable footwear is a must!) and weather appropriate.
  
• Arrive early and stake out the best viewing location. The show begins at noon and you’ll want to be front and center when the action begins. Grab a performance schedule when you first arrive so you’ll know exactly where you should be and when.
  
• Transportation: Ample parking is available at Festival Pier, but if you’d like to leave the car behind, hop on SEPTA's Market-Frankford El and get off at Spring Garden station, just a few blocks from Festival Pier.
  
• Remember to stay nourished and hydrated! The Roots Picnic is a long day full of dancing, moshing and head nodding. In the midst of all the excitement, you’re going to work up a thirst and a healthy appetite. Food vendors will be on location selling food, beverages and beer.

Official Afterparty:

If you’ve still got the party bug in your system after the Roots Picnic, the official afterparty, titledFish & Grits, is taking place at the Arts Garage and is presented by none other than ?uestlove. Head over to Uristocrat for more details.

Tickets:

Tickets are still available, but likely not for long. To purchase,

visit ticketmaster.com. The Will Call booth at

Festival Pier will open one hour before showtime.

Still undecided? Check out a highlight video of last year’s festival below.

The Roots Picnic
Where: Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing
When: June 4, 12 noon
Cost: $65, ticketmaster.com
More Info: okayplayer.com

Via: Philly360.com

TV One Announces Black Music Month Schedule Starting Saturday, June 4th 2011

This line up is AWESOME!!!! The Unsung Series is gonna be wonderful! I love my mama for introducing me to these artists. I have such an appreciation for music because of her!

*TV One will mark Black Music Month in June with a lineup of movies, music and new episodes of “Unsung,” the network announced.

Each Saturday night throughout the month, TV One will feature a concert with some of the top names in music, including Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan and Usher.

On Monday nights at 10, new episodes of “Unsung” will premiere. As previously reported, this season includes specials on Deniece Williams, The Spinners, Alexander O’Neal and Cherrelle, Big Daddy Kane, The Ohio Players and Evelyn “Champagne” King.

Highlights of the month include (all times ET):

Saturday, June 4

8 PM The Fighting Temptations – Cuba Gooding, Jr. stars as a New York advertising executive who must create a winning gospel choir in a small town before he can collect an inheritance and engages the help of a beautiful lounge singer (Beyoncé) with whom he soon falls in love. Also features Angie Stone, Mary Mary, the O’Jays, and Faith Evans (repeats at 12:30 AM)

10:30P Beyoncé I Am Yours. . . Live From Las Vegas – a two-hour concert special featuring Beyoncé performing some of her greatest hits. Always an electrifying performer, Beyoncé pulls out all the stops in this unforgettable intimate show filmed live at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. Performances includes her chart topping solo hits such as “Single Ladies,” “Halo” and irreplaceable”, as well as some Destiny’s Child favorites.

Sunday, June 5

Noon TV One Night Only: Live From the Essence Music Festival 2009 - a two-hour musical extravaganza featuring the best performances from the country’s largest annual gathering celebrating African-American music and culture. This 2009 special features performances by Beyoncé, Anita Baker, Robin Thicke, John Legend, Ne-Yo, Teena Marie, En Vogue, Charlie Wilson, Salt N Pepa, and Jazmine Sullivan.

2 PM Unsung marathon – In preparation for a new season of TV One’s NAACP Image Award-winning series Unsung, TV One airs a special Unsung marathon of favorite episodes from the past three seasons, from 2 PM – 2 AM, featuring Stacy Lattisaw, Sylvester, DeBarge, Phyllis Hyman, Shalamar, Teddy Pendergrass, Tammi Terrell, the O’Jays, Roger and Zapp, Teena Marie, Angela Winbush, and Miki Howard.

Monday, June 6

10 PM Unsung – Deniece Williams. The fourth season of TV One’s hit music bio series Unsung premieres with an episode featuring Deniece Williams. In this personally revealing episode, Deniece tells her story with poignancy and humor, and is helped along by exclusive interviews with an all-star cast of her admirers that includes Johnny Mathis, Ray Parker Jr., Phillip Bailey, Verdine White, George Duke – and Stevie Wonder. Repeats at 1 AM.

Saturday, June 11

8 PM In the Mix – TV One salutes Grammy Award-winning superstar Usher with the TV One premiere of the romantic comedy/drama In the Mix, starring Usher and Kevin Hart. In the film, a successful DJ named Darrel (Usher), managed to rescue a powerful mobster one night. In order to repay Darrell, the mobster, Frank Pacelli, gives him the task of protecting his daughter, Dolly. (repeats at 11 PM) 10 PM TV One premieres Usher: London Live, a concert recorded in London’s flamboyant, stylish and historic music venue KOKO. Usher performs a collection of his greatest hits in front of a live audience. (repeats at 1 AM)

Sunday, June 12

5 PM TV One Night Only: Live From the Essence Music Festival 2010 - a two-hour musical extravaganza featuring the best performances from the country’s largest annual gathering celebrating African-American music and culture. Performing artists included in the special will include Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, LL Cool J, Jill Scott, Earth, Wind & Fire, Trey Songz, Charlie Wilson, Monica, Raphael Saadiq, Keri Hilson and Gladys Knight.

Monday, June 13

10 PM Unsung – The Spinners - They spent nearly a decade at Motown driving cars for the label’s top stars while waiting for their own shot, then survived the abrupt departures of two lead singers, without ever missing a beat, or a show. And in 2011 they’re still on the road, a group that just keeps on keepin’ on. In Unsung, the core members of this remarkable band, along with ace arranger and collaborator Thom Bell, tell the long and winding journey of a group that’s become an American treasure. Repeats at 1 AM.

Saturday, June 18

8 PM The Bodyguard – Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner star in this romantic thriller, in which a former Secret Service agent takes on the job of bodyguard to a pop singer, whose life is threatened by an unknown stalker. (repeats at 12:30AM)

11 PM Chaka Khan: Live in Malibu, a concert featuring the first lady of R&B performing all of her favorites in this great performance including I’m Every Woman, Sweet Thang, Tell Me Something Good, and I Feel For You. (repeats at 3:30 AM)

Sunday, June 19

8 PM Lady Sings the Blues – This film is the classic story of the troubled life and career of the legendary Jazz singer, Billie Holiday starring Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams, and Richard Pryor. (repeats at 1:30 AM)

Monday, June 20

10 PM Unsung – Alexander O’Neal and Cherrelle. They were the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell of their time – an unlikely pairing of opposite personalities that made musical magic together. Poised on the brink of superstardom, both of their careers abruptly fell apart, a casualty of both self-destructive acts and unforeseen tragedies. On this remarkably candid episode of ‘Unsung”, Alexander O’Neal and Cherelle tell the stories of two extraordinary characters whose legacies will forever be entwined. (repeats at 1 AM)

Friday, June 24

8 PM The Jacksons: An American Dream – On the eve of the second anniversary of Michael Jackson’s untimely death, TV One airs the award-winning five-hour mini-series that takes a look at the origins of one of the most successful family groups in the history of the music industry. The mini-series stars Angela Bassett, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Holly Robinson-Peete, Terrence Howard, Billy Dee Williams and Jermaine Jackson II. (repeats at 3 PM Saturday, June 25)

Saturday, June 25

8 PM Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story – On the second anniversary of his tragic death, the King of Pop is celebrated by TV One all day and night, including this bio pic starring Flex Alexander.

10 PM Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Celebration Concert – This star-studded 2001 special marked the “King of Pop’s” first live US performance in nearly 11 years and the first reunion with his brothers in 20 years and featured performances by Luther Vandross, Destiny’s Child, Usher, and Whitney Houston.

Monday, June 27

10 PM Unsung – Alexander O’Neal and Cherrelle - They were the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell of their time – an unlikely pairing of opposite personalities that made musical magic together. Then, poised on the brink of superstardom, both of their careers abruptly fell apart, a casualty of both self-destructive acts and unforeseen tragedies. On this remarkably candid episode of Unsung, Alexander O’Neal and Cherelle tell the stories of two extraordinary characters whose legacies will forever be entwined. (repeats at 1 AM).

Via: EURweb

Upcoming Social Media & Tech Events: FL, NY, UK, IL & More!

May 20-22, 2011, Ft. Lauderdale, FL: SheCon’s 2011 New Media Expo is the industry’s first free, three-day social media event that is bringing together some of the industry’s most renowned experts to condense a four-year journalism school experience into three days of new media sessions, with sessions and panels ranging from general to specific, niche market discussions. Combined with the educational sessions, the expo will bring together a diverse group of exhibitors that will be focusing on a brand integration, rather than forced brand interaction, concept for engaging and building relationships with attendees.

May 23, 2011, San Francisco, CA: Hosted by Our Social Times, Social Media Marketing & Monitoring 2011will bring together leading marketing and PR experts, brands, agencies and journalists for an intensive one-day conference. Following this sell-out event last year, join us for an update on the latest strategies, tools and techniques in social media marketing. Topics include: community management; blogger outreach; influencer analysis and engagement; Twitter marketing; geo-location marketing; social gaming; social media monitoring and Social CRM. Register and use the promo code Mash1 to save 10%.

May 24-26, 2011, New York, NY: BlogWorld & New Media Expo is the first and only industry-wide conference, tradeshow and media event dedicated to blogging, podcasting, social media, social networking, online video, music, Internet TV and radio. BlogWorld conference attendees enjoy more than 120 cutting-edge educational sessions presented by industry leaders, while New Media Expo provides the only industry-wide new media marketplace for networking, online business and marketing resources. Social Media Business Summit, exclusive to BlogWorld, is the world’s largest social media business conference where business owners, marketing executives and global brands learn strategies, tools and technologies to grow their businesses with social media. Register at blogworldexpo.com with the promo code MASH20 to save 20% off the ticket price!

May 24-26 2011, Gateshead, UK: Thinking Digital is an annual conference where the world’s greatest thinkers and innovators discuss the latest ideas, innovations and technologies. The conference provides an experience like no other, stimulating new thinking and new ideas. It’s about what you’ll learn, and who you’ll meet. Our eclectic schedule means you’ll listen to world-class authorities, meet amazing people, be entertained and outrageously inspired! When you leave Thinking Digital you’ll know about things that you previously didn’t even realise existed and have become part of our unique community. Register with the promo code TDCMASH and save 10%.

May 25, 2011, London, UK: The Guardian Sustainable Business Awards aim to showcase genuine innovation in corporate sustainability and reward those who take sustainability to the very heart of their business. Enter the awards today at guardian.co.uk/gsb-awards to get the recognition you deserve. Winners will be invited to a ceremony held in London in May and will feature in a supplement published on guardian.co.uk. All entries meeting the criteria will be added to the new Guardian Sustainable Business best practice exchange – an online database allowing sustainability professionals to share their learning. Enter before February 7th atguardian.co.uk/gsb-awards.

June 6, 2011, New York, NY: It’s time to make plans for Realtime NY 11, a full-day immersion entirely about business on the mobile, social and realtime web. Learn how innovative executives from brands likeMcDonald’s, PepsiCo, Delta, Citibank, IBM, and the NHL are using realtime tools to listen and respond to customers, create new opportunities and build bottom-line value. Realtime, mobile and social technologies fundamentally change how consumers and businesses interact. At The Realtime Conference you’ll see real case studies about real brands and meet the social media business pioneers who are driving real value. 10 hours of hardcore learning and networking. Plus wi-fi, power, breakfast, lunch and cocktails. Register with the promo code MASHABLE to save 20%

June 15-16, 2011, New York, NY: “Exploring the State of NOW” – The 140 Characters Conference: New York City (#140conf) will be taking place June 15-16, 2011 at the 92nd Street Y, where we will continue to explore the effects of the real-time web on both business and on people. This event is expected to be the largest worldwide gathering of people interested in the effects of the real-time Internet on both business and “we” the people. #140conf exposes you to the power the Internet has to disrupt businesses, change lives and create serendipity. You will leave with a fresh outlook on how the real time web can be used in your business or personal life to actually do something meaningful. Register TODAY and take advantage of the “Early Bird” prices.

June 23 - 24, 2011, Chicago, IL: SOCIAL CUSTOMER 2011 is a high-level executive summit that focuses on using smart social CRM programs to improve customer loyalty, enhance brand experience and increase revenue. Hear from game-changing organizations such as Chicago Bulls, Verizon, PepsiCo, Dell, Bloomberg, Rosetta Stone, H&R Block, Godiva, Dominos Pizza and more! Also hear our keynote presentation by Becky Carroll, Social Media Correspondent, NBC 7 / SAN DIEGO, Author, THE HIDDEN POWER OF YOUR CUSTOMERS. Organizations must embrace today’s empowered customers, so if you are a business leader who is looking to deliver world-class experience via social networks, this event is the #1 place to be. Join the conversation and register today (Save $200 with the promo code SYX243).

June 27-29, 2011, Las Vegas, NV: The Future of Web Apps (FOWA) is coming to Vegas. After successfully running shows in Miami and London, the conference hits Vegas for the first time in June. A conference for web developers and entrepreneurs, there are 3 days of jam packed web fun including a day of workshops and 2 conference days of two tracks. As well as App Clinics and Expo Area, you can learn and network with people who have passion for the web! Register with the code FOWA_MASHABLE and receive 10% off our 2 day conference passes.

For more events visit: Mashable.com

The 8th Annual West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival June 17th-19th 2011

This years line up includes:

Chaka Khan, Men of Soul (Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson, Freddie Jackson, Howard Hewett), Chrisette Michele, Eddie Palmieri, Christian McBride, Roy Ayers, The Rodney Mack - Philadelphia Big Brass, The Persuasions, Philadelphia Freedom Jazz Orchestra, Tia Fuller, Gerald Veasley, 3D Ritmo de Vida, Webb Thomas Trio, Sherry Butler, Po/Jazz Connection, Fred and Tanya Jazz Duo, Alex Evans, Micel Beckham, Lynn Riley, Tony Wyatt, Timi Tanzania, Val Ray Quartet, 3rio, Mike Boone, Philadelphia Jazz Heritage Ensemble, Georgie Bonds, Carl Grubbs, Crystal J. Torres , TC III, Andy Aaron and the Mean Machine, David Joel, Bootsie Barnes, Jafar Barron, Monkadelphia , Philadelphia Clef Club Youth Band, Michael Ray, Richard Waller, Carmen Butler, and so many more!

To learn more visit: http://www.westoaklanefestival.com/

Women As Successful Entrepreneurs Seminar and Awards Luncheon June 4th 2011

This SEMINAR will feature polished, experienced, industry leaders and will provide informative materials covering key business areas every professional woman needs in her business arsenal and strategy planning.

This event will also HONOR notable female leaders and community servants in presenting The Endeleo "Seeds of Change" Award during the LUNCHEON.

Congratulations to Delores Daniels, Andrea Johnson, and Rev. Carol T. Riley for all you do to uplift our communities and strengthen those in need!

For more details and to register visit: http://successfulentrepreneurs.eventbrite.com/