The 15th Annual Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, July 3 - 5th!

Check out Carol's Pix from Essence Music Fest 2008

Celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the ESSENCE Music Festival, July 3–5, 2009, in New Orleans, LA. It's the Ultimate Party Weekend with live musical performances each night, including Beyoncé, Maxwell, Lionel Richie, Anita Baker, John Legend, ESSENCE ICONS: An All Star Celebration of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly and much more.

See the nightly line-up below.

FRIDAY, JULY 3

Main stage:
Beyonce, John Legend, Ne-Yo, Salt N Pepa, DJ Soul Sister

Superlounges:
Eric Benet, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Solange, Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars, Keri Hilson, Marva Wright, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Preservation Hall Jazz Band Revue, Dwele, DJ Captain Charles, DJ Jubilee, DJ Dynamite Dave Soul and DJ EF Cuttin.

SATURDAY, JULY 4

Main stage:
Maxwell, Anita Baker, Robin Thicke, Charlie Wilson, Jazmine Sullivan, DJ Soul Sister

Superlounges:
Ledisi, Janelle Monae, Zap Mama, Irvin Mayfield, Dan Dyer, Little Freddie King, DJ Captain Charles, DJ Jubilee, DJ Dynamite Dave Soul and DJ EF Cuttin.

SUNDAY, JULY 5

Main stage:
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Lionel Richie, Al Green, Teena Marie, En Vogue, DJ Soul Sister

Superlounges:
Raphael Saadiq, Lalah Hathaway, Melanie Fiona, Ryan Leslie, Blind Boys of Alabama, The Knux, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Ave All Stars, Rebirth Brass Band, DJ Captain Charles, DJ Jubilee, DJ Dynamite Dave Soul and DJ EF Cuttin.

The weekend also includes three days of Empowering Seminars FREE at the Convention Center with power speakers including Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dr. Juanita Bynum, Roland Martin, Tom Joyner and many more.

Single day Essence Music Festival tickets go on sale Friday, March 27 at 8 a.m. CST, ranging in price from $51-$200 plus service charges.

Weekend packages ranging from $153-$545 are also on sale.

Visit: http://www.essencemusicfestival.com for more info

Akon Live @ General Motors Centre, Oshawa, ON - Thurs Apr 30!

Akon Live at the General Motors Center on Thursday, April 30, 2009
Supporting Acts TBA
Time: 7:00 pm
Tickets: $39.50 to $69.50
Location: General Motors Centre, 99 Athol St E, Oshawa, ON
Visit: http://www.generalmotorscentre.com

Note: Akon also performs in Kitchener, ON on Wed, Apr 29. Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.ca for info

Adele Live @ Massey Hall, Toronto, ON - Wed Apr 29!

Holding the 2008 Grammy Award for Best New Artist, British soul/jazz singer-songwriter, Adele, has been hailed as the next big thing following the footsteps of fellow UK powerhouse artists Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen. Adele brings a variety of flavours to her music, notably stunning soulful vocals mixed with striking jazz beats. Don't miss her Massey Hall debut!
Adele, Massey Hall $34.50 - $39.50
Time: 8pm
Massey Hall's main entrance is located on Shuter Street, just east of Yonge Street.
http://www.roythomson.com/eventInfo.cfm?E=283&YearMonth=2009,3

India.Arie Live @ Queen Elizabeth Building, Toronto - Fri, May 15th!

India.Arie Live @ Queen Elizabeth Building, Toronto, CNE Grounds (Exhibition Place)

Fri, May 15, 2009 08:00 PM

CA $49.50

Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.ca

Seal Live @ Massey Hall, Toronto - Sat Apr 4!

In a career that spans more than two decades, Grammy Award-winning soul singer, Seal has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide. Known for his soaring, husky baritone voice and classic songwriting, Seal spans musical genres with emotional and romantic love songs like "Prayer For The Dying," the Grammy Award-winning "Kiss From A Rose," "Don't Cry" and "Love Divine" which have all delighted fans and earned him critical acclaim for over twenty years.
$39.50- $67.50
April 4, 2009 8:00 PM
For tickets visit: http://www.masseyhall.com/eventInfo.cfm?E=272&YearMonth=2009,3

Dionne Warwick Live @ Casino Rama, Fri Mar 27 & Sat Mar 28!

Fri Mar 27 & Sat Mar 28 - Dionne Warwick @ Casino Rama
Casino Rama, R.R. #6 Rama Rd., Orillia, ON
Tickets: $28.75 - $40.25
Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/

On the Scene at CBC's Steven and Chris Show in Toronto

I had the opportunity to check out a live taping of the Steven and Chris show last week. Canadian Design team Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman are well known for their humourous antics and keen sense of style.

Sadly, CBC announced this week that their one year old show will be cancelled due to CBC's financial challenges and will go into hiatus after this season which ends mid-April.

But, you still have a few more weeks to become part of the studio audience and go home with some great gifts!

The episode that I was part of airs on CBC soon!

For free tickets to an upcoming show taping, visit http://www.cbc.ca/stevenandchris/

For more info on the duo, visit: http://www.stevenandchris.com/

Sizzla Kalonji Live @ Paramount Concert Theatre, Toronto - Sun Apr 12- CANCELLED

CVR ENTERTAINMENT Promotions writes ... We regret to announce the Cancelling of the Sizzla Kalonji Event carded for This Sunday April 12th, 2009. at THE PARAMOUNT Concert Theater. The event has been canceled Due to the Denial By The Jamaican Embassy And Also the Late Notice By Sizzla's Management. Sizzla was Approved By HRDC Canada and CVR Entertainment Company Obtained the work Visa for Canada Last Week. Upon arrival to The Jamaican Embassy Sizzla's Management learned that the Jamaican Embassy did Not Approve the Application and CVR ENTERTAINMENT was Notified 9:00PM Last Night By the Management of Sizzla. CVR ENTERTAINMENT Is Saddened By The Events that have Happened and are extremely apologetic to all of our supporters and the Sizzla fans who were excited to see the show. Unfortunately, It is out of CVR Entertainment's control and there is nothing we can do to change the Jamaican Embassy's decision. We did everything possible and went by the Books to make this event Happen for all of the Sizzla Kalonji fans In Canada. * PLEASE NOTE * If you purchased tickets for this event : Please return to where you purchased your ticket and You may get a full refund for your ticket. We do regret the inconvenience this may have caused but, due to the Denial Of The Jamaican Embassy, we feel that it is in the best interest of CVR ENTERTAINMENT as well as Sizzla Kalonji and his band to cancel this event. We are open anytime for Questions and/or any problems with Refunds of tickets or concerns CVR ENTERTAINMENT @ 647-928-6423 Thank you all for your continued support. CVR ENTERTAINMENT

Mavis Staples @ Massey Hall, Toronto - Sat Mar 21!

Massey Hall presents
Mavis Staples blazes a rhythm and blues trail, without relinquishing her gospel roots. She's a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and her remarkable gifts inspire, heal and uplift! Grammy® Award-nominated James Hunter gets it all rolling with infectious vocal and guitar performances, clever songwriting and a skin-tight band.
Tickets: $49 - $69
Location: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON
Visit: http: www.masseyhall.com

Big Daddy Kane Live @ the Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto - March 26!

Big Daddy Kane
The Phoenix Concert Theatre
Toronto, ON
Thu, Mar 26, 2009 08:00 PM
The Phoenix Concert Theatre
410 Sherbourne St., Toronto, ON
GENERAL ADMISSION
CA $29.95
Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.ca

Chris Bosh Takes Time Out to Meet the SYRC Group!

Pix by Carol Allen

Last weekend, for the second year in a row, I had the opportunity to take some youth from Tropicana's Scarborough Youth Resource Centre (SYRC) to a Toronto Raptor's home game hugely due to generous support of everyone who contributed to Eddie Williams' Party With a Purpose recent fundraising event. The youth who participated were selected through an essay writing contest. The enthusiastic group enjoyed their own private meet and greet and photo opportunities with star player, Chris Bosh after the game. Although the Raps lost, they did manage to pass the 100 points mark in the last few seconds of the fourth quarter, which earned every ticket holder a free slice of pizza!

Big Thanks to Eddie and Adidas Canada for the goodie bags!

Girlicious Live @ the Opera House, Toronto, ON - Thurs, March 26!

WRN ENT Present:

Girlicious and Guests

Yes, you read it right! Girlicious will be performing live at The Opera House on Thursday, March 26th, 2009. This show is guaranteed to sell out very fast so make sure to get your tickets today (direct link is below). A nice intimate venue and Girlicious - going to be great!

For more information visit
www.myspace.com/WRNENT

Tickets @ www.ticketpro.ca and will be on sale on Wednesday
$35 Advanced
$45 door

Behind the Scenes on Carol's ET Canada Makeover

Here are some behind the scenes pictures from my Entertainment Tonight Canada Makeover that was aired on Global TV across Canada on Monday, March 2 and Tuesday, March 3. This was absolutely one of the most special days that I've ever experienced, and the opportunity to go shopping, get pampered and spend the day with my friends, Jules and Dee, who nominated me for this experience was priceless. Thanks to everyone who made this an incredible day for me and for your continued support.

Check out the full makeover on You Tube!

Visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kvsdbag8qjc
Carol

Humble Live @ Revival Bar, Toronto - Sun Mar 15!

Come and celebrate the release of Humble's new album 'everything' , his JUNO Nomination, and the two nominations he received from the Canadian Reggae Music Awards.

We would love to have you there!

Sunday, March 15 @ Revival Bar, 783 College Street West at Shaw, Toronto, ON

Tickets $15 advance, Door $20
Doors open 8pm
Showtime 9pm

For more info: Please call 416-795-4665
For advance ticket locations and to hear Humble's music visit www.humblemuzik.com now!