.jpg)
"Performers often gyrate or bop their heads, but Jon B. works his rib cage and gut like a Billy Blank core muscle workout. He needs to package that and sell it to..."
*Have you ever had a craving for something sweet like chocolate and you just can’t wait to get your hands on that dreamy treat? Then, imagine when you do, you just want to devour it because it tastes so good. Well, this was the case at Della Reese Presents featuring Jon B., SWV, Noel and hosted by Tommy Davidson held at the Wilshire Theatre Beverly Hills.
The red carpet originally set up beautifully at the grand entrance of the Wilshire Theatre Beverly Hills was primed and ready for Hollywood’s finest to make their way into the theatre, but due to fire codes, it was unexpectedly shut down and relocated within minutes in the VIP area of the theatre. Media was showing up in droves and was anxiously expecting to see Ms. Della Reese, the legend. This was going to be a rare photo opportunity.
Once the carpet was situated in the VIP room, highly established stars such as Oscar winner Louis Gossett Jr., Loretta Devine, Ja’Net DuBois, Ernie Hudson, Ernest Thomas, TJ Storm, Florence LaRue, Music Composer William Goldstein, Mikki Howard, Ariella Stephens, Erica Hubbard (Lincoln Heights), Lolly “Redbone” Vegas, Diane Ladd, Wendell James, Ken Davitian (Borat), Ezina (singer and Ms. US), R&B singer Makeda, Heather Chadwell (Rock of Love), Judge Craig Strong and newcomers such as Katie McGill and Neenah Taylor; and performers on the bill Tommy Davidson and SWV started what could only be described as a “parade” of stars.
Ms. Reese surrounded by friends, (front), Michael Stone, Della Reese, Diane Ladd, Ernie Hudson; (Rear), Louis Gossett Jr., Tommy Davidson and Robert Hunter
Then for the piece de resistance, Ms. Reese the rare and deliciously sweet Della was wheeled out into the room in her motor chair and placed on the red carpet.
At that point it was no holds barred for the massive media in attendance to start shooting. Cameras were flashing with a strobe light effect on the legendary star. Ms. Della Reese “dessert” had arrived and they (the media) wanted to gobble her up. A steady flow of light and photo opps for Ms. Reese and her special friends continued for about a half hour straight, until producers said it was show time.
At first it appeared as if there would be a sparse crowd in spite of the overwhelming celebrity attendance, but by 8:15PM public attendance soared perhaps taking advantage of several ticket sale offers made avail on KJLH and other outlets. SWV (Sisters with Voices) the legendary trio so prominent in the 80’s drew many fans, as well as R&B crooner Jon B. If you’ve ever seen Jon B live in concert, you would agree he is a consummate performer. Jon B has the most unique funky groove I’ve ever seen. Often performers gyrate or bop their heads, but Jon B. works his rib cage and gut like a
Billy Blank core muscle workout. His ribcage hits the downbeat like a judges gavel. Bop, bop bop, oooh, oooh, oops (!!!) another bop. He needs to package that and sell it to Guthy-Renker as the latest fitness craze.
The concert truly was all about newcomer, singer Noel and the fact that Ms. Reese was presenting her to a top brass industry crowd to elevate her career just like she did last year with multi-talented Kim Yarbrough now assimilated into Hollywood circles, who I might add, arrived more glamorous than the late Marilyn Monroe in “Some Like it Hot.” Ms. Yarbrough wore a long white gown with a big split right down the middle and long sleeved elegant white gloves. Her look was a cross between Marilyn and May West. I mean she was super duper glammed. I spotted her taking shots in front of a cream colored Rolls Royce (belonging to???!!! I’ll never tell!) across the street from the theatre.
Kim knows how to attract attention on Hollywood red carpets. Maybe she learned that from the “queen” herself, Ms. Reese.
Back to Noel who is gorgeous to look at, small framed with a caramel colored complexion won the respect of the crowd and they fell in love with her sultry voice. There is a warm spirit about Noel and she carries herself like a lady with fine breeding and Christian ethics. To me she looks like a young Ms. Reese.
Tommy Davidson kept the show flowing with his funny antics. What can you say, Tommy Davidson is one of a kind and he has an international following.
SWV put it down and LA was able to see one of their favorite groups together again. Photogs could not get enough shots of the group.
There were so many stars and media moguls like the legendary electronic communications giant Lee Bailey. There was an unprecedented media turnout. They were stationed in front of the theatre, in the VIP red carpet area and many took advantage of their all access badges and headed backstage including legendary photographer Bill Jones with his assistant Shola in tow. Oh, I could write a book on this one.
Celebrity guests on hand included: Louis Gossett Jr., Loretta Devine, TJ Storm, Ernest Thomas, Wendell James, R&B singer UNE’, Ja’Net Dubois, Florence La Rue, Shanice, Flex Alexander, Chico Benymon, Diane Ladd, Porscha Coleman,
Judge Craig Strong (who made about 3 wardrobe changes in a 3 hour period),Erica Hubbard (Lincoln Heights), Page Kennedy, Kortney Nash, Beth Payne, Roger E. Mosley, Ernie Hudson, Gramma Funk, Ken Davitian (Borat),
Heather Chadwell (Rock of Love, Pol’Atteu (haute couture fashion designer), new comer Neenah Taylor, top modeling agent Patrik Simpson,Gloria Hendry, Radio media mogul
Lee Bailey, Buddy Sampson (musician and publisher of LA Scoop), Lolly “Redbone” Vegas, BET’s Willie Macc, BET comic view legend Annie McKnight, celebrity fitness Trainer Sam Bell, Kim Yarbrough, Pamela Wilson (model),
LeJon “Pirate Stewart (Pirates of the Carribbean), Trenyce (American Idol), R&B Singer Mikki Howard, Mrs. Reese's hubby, Mr. Franklin Lett (who kept a watchful eye on his lady love) and many others
Performers: Ms. Della Reese, SWV, Jon B, Noel and host Tommy Davidson sizzled.
Producers: Michael Stone, Miriam Holder-Jacobs and Myky Harris were all on hand.
ISA PR was in charge of celebrity and media attendance.
See the event here: Jeffrey Shutterfly
Photographer, Donald Carraway
Eugenia Wright is a former actress turned syndicated columnist/publicist. You may write to her at kleopatragirl117@hotmail.com