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Diary Delivers:  Tyler Perry’s film adaptation of his highly successful touring play, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, is one solid film.  The movie is a more polished, cohesive and Hollywood-friendly version of the story that many have seen in the theater or on video.  Many wondered how the full-mouthed, quick-tempered, gun-toting Madea would translate into the confined world of film, especially since part of Madea’s appeal is her knack for adlibbing.  But Diary does work, and Madea is still funny and the integrity of her theater persona is still captured.

In the film, Helen McCarter (Kimberly Elise) has seemingly had the perfect life with husband Charles McCarter (Steve Harris).  Over the years, Helen has been a faithful and loving wife, while Charles built a successful and lucrative career as a prominent Atlanta attorney.  On the eve of their 18th wedding anniversary, Helen’s paradise begins to crumble as Charles announces that he wants a divorce.  He abruptly and literally tosses Helen out of the mansion to make room for the other woman.  It only gets better from there!

Directed by Darren Grant, Diary of a Mad Black Woman also stars Shemar Moore (who delivers his strongest performance to date in this film), the legendary Cicely Tyson and, of course, Perry himself as Madea.  The film is set in Atlanta, and much of it was shot in Perry’s own home in the city.

Lovers of the original play will adore Diary, especially because many of the stars of Perry’s touring play circuit pop up in the film.  Tamala Mann (of Kirk Franklin & The Family fame) and Terrell Carter (from Meet the Browns) also star.

Diary of a Mad Black Woman hits theaters on Feb. 25.  For more information, visit www.diaryofamadblackwomanmovie.com.

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Watch Out:  This past weekend Malcolm Williams & Great Faith recorded their newest CD at the God's House of All Nations Church in Chicago.  While Williams and his choir were new to me, many notables in the gospel industry had great things to say about the singer upon learning I was headed to his recording session.  More so, the local anticipation for this group was evident by the long line of people that headed up the street outside the church.  Many folks were turned away due to the church filling its capacity.  

After a fiery introduction by gospel powerhouse Angela Spivey, Williams & Great Faith took to the stage to a rousing ovation.  The choir looked great—ladies donned sparkly navy blue denim wrap dresses lined in orange, while the gentlemen sported blue jeans, white dress shirts, black sweater vests and orange neckties.

Williams wrote all of the songs recorded by his group, except for one additional song written by Cory Shipley.  Ricky Dillard, Kim McFarland (where in the world have you been and why haven’t you recorded in years?), newcomer Paula Payton Champion and Tyscot Records artist DeAndre Patterson were featured guests.  I was extremely impressed by Champion who, like Williams, is managed by Shawn Tate & Associates.  Though certainly her own singer, she reminded me of a hybrid of singers ranging from Faith Evans to Syleena Johnson and, like Donald Lawrence pointed out, her bottom register is similar to Lalah Hathaway’s.    

Spivey was called from the audience for an impromptu adlib on one song, as was my special guest for the evening, American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson.  Hudson attended the recording session with me and as Williams himself put it, she’s “Chicago’s own American Idol.” 

In addition to Lawrence, Dillard, Patterson, McFarland, Spivey and Hudson, other notables in attendance included multi-media journalist Sheilah Belle, GospelFlava.com’s James Roberson, Chicago singer Mike Smith and a host of other radio announcers and Chi-town tastemakers.

I’m not sure why Williams and his collective haven’t landed a major recording contract yet.  I do know that if that’s something he’s seeking, under the direction of Tate, it’s only a matter of time before one of the majors scoops up him and his choir.  Not only can the group sing, but Williams is charismatic, humble and flows naturally onstage.

Keep your eyes and ears posted for Malcolm Williams & Great Faith because I think they’re destined for great things.  Special thanks to Shawn Tate, Keith Williams and everyone else responsible for bringing me out to Chicago for this great occasion.    

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Out and About:  It was all about the parties during Grammy weekend in Los Angeles.  Yours truly was on the scene, and I have a rundown of the things I saw, heard and experienced firsthand. 

Will.I.Am Music and Tsunami Benefit Concert:  The Black Eyed Pea member held a concert that became a who’s who jam session where folks like Justin Timberlake, James Brown, Pink, Macy Gray, Kid Rock and India.Arie, among others, rocked the capacity crowd at Avalon.  Among the other notables spotted at this fundraiser include Steven Segal, Alyssa Milano, Aaron Carter, Paris Hilton, Raphael Saadiq, Nicky Hilton, Ashlee Simpson, Damon Elliott, Josh Duhamel, Molly Sims, Musiq, Nikka Costa, American Idol’s Randy Jackson, Papa Roach, John Legend, Ryan Seacrest, Scarlett Johansson, MTV’s Sway, Tara Reid, Zach Braff, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey.

3rd Annual Artist Empowerment Coalition Brunch:  Famed entertainment attorney Londell McMillan held his annual pre-Grammy brunch at the Beverly Hilton, and his organization honored Tyra Banks, Danny Glover, Anthony Hamilton, Kanye West and the late Ray Charles.  The AEC is a great organization, and its brunch was done in fine form.  Gospel’s unorthodox superstar Tonex sang, but it was R&B diva Faith Evans who gave a stellar performance with her flawless rendition of the hymn, “Walk With Me Lord.”  Kanye West gave a speech that was, well, typical Kanye.  (To read a portion of his oral imprudence, check out this story from Friday’s New York Daily News: www.nydailynews.com/news/gossip/story/281926p-241603c.html).  Anthony Hamilton gave a speech—quite the opposite of West’s—that was full of humility and humor.  “I loved the ride over here in the Maybach,” closed Hamilton, “but I’m going back to my hotel in a cab.  I got to keep myself balanced.”  Among the others at the brunch, which was hosted by Shaun Robinson of Access Hollywood, were Mekhi Phifer, Ann Nesby, Nick Carter, Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, Kevin Bond, Evander Holyfield, Deborah Cox and American Idol wannabe Diana DeGarmo, Mya, Common, Lamman Rucker, Sharissa, Miri Ben-Ari, Michael K. Williams, producers The Track Starz, Omar Benson Miller, Renee Neufville of Zhane, singer Gordon Chambers, Renee Wilson (Ray) and a host of music industry executives and tastemakers.      

The Roots Jam Session:  The hip-hop collective held a star-studded jam session at Hollywood’s Key Club.  Jada Pinkett Smith’s rock band Wicked Wisdom opened the show.  This concert was a hot ticket, and I almost didn’t get inside because the fire marshal said the venue had reached capacity.  Tatyana Ali, Irulan of The Real World, Rick Gonzalez of Coach Carter and YaYa of America’s Next Top Model (who was there with rapper Canibus) were among those turned away.  Nonetheless, when wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan arrived, things changed and his publicist from Susan Blond, Inc. arranged for me to enter with him.  What else could they say?  What you gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?  Once inside, The Roots ran through their catalog of hits, and were later joined by some special guests including newcomer Teedra Moses.  Among the others packed in the club were Tom Cruise, Faith Evans, Hill Harper, Kelly Osbourne, Rick Fox, Brooke Hogan, Jordan Knight, Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, Kym E. Whitley, Truth Hurts, Sanaa Lathan, Jill Marie Jones, Dwayne Adway, Nick Carter, A.J. Johnson, Victor Williams and Chad L. Coleman.

Elise Neal’s Godiva Assorted Flavors Cabaret:  The All of Us actress both produced and starred in this burlesque cabaret show that also features actresses Tammy Townsend, Chelsi Smith, Christal Garrick and Jennifer Johnson.  A sort of African-American twist on the Pussycat Dolls, the show features music, seduction and tempting lingerie.  In addition to the show’s performers, there were also monologues by Terri J. Vaughn, Paula Jai Parker, Tony Rock and Essence Atkins.  Spotted in the crowd at The Highlands were Eric Benet, Gabrielle Union, Shar Jackson, Texas Battle, Taraji P. Henson, J. August Richards, Sharissa, Julissa Marquez and Karrine “Superhead” Steffans.  I saw Steffans in a heated conversation with Rock at the end of the stage show.  From the look on the actor-comedian’s face—there was lots of jaw dropping and eyes bulging going on—I suspect their chat had something to do with the fact that his brother Chris Rock was linked to Steffans on Page Six that very day.  Special shout out to Echo Hattix of Echoing Soundz.

Usher’s Post Grammy Party:  Forget what you heard, this was the place to be on Grammy night.  Despite gripes in other news outlets about the shindig, I’m here to tell you that this was a party like no other.  Wall to wall celebrities, entertainment executives and overall beautiful people gathered at Geisha House, one of Hollywood’s newest eateries—the Japanese spot is backed by a list of investors including Ashton Kutcher and Wilmer Valderrama.  I partied with Hollywood insider Tanya Hart, and the two of us were extremely impressed by the revolving door of celebs that came through Usher's bash.  Among those spotted include Jamie Foxx, Leila Arcieri, Wesley Snipes, Nelly, Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri, Quentin Tarintino, Mekhi Phifer, Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi, Kelly Rowland, Serena Williams, Shawn Wayans, Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z,  David Spade, Earth Wind & Fire, Glenn Lewis, 3LW, Irv Gotti, Eric Benet, Golden Brooks, RL of Next, Debbie Allen and Norm Nixon, Big Gipp of Goodie Mobb, Ray J, Alexis Fields, Joy Bryant, Eve, Blu Cantrell, Da Brat, Jimmy Jam, Lil’ Jon, Lil’ Flip, Bokeem Woodbine, Mos Def, Shaun Robinson, Paris Hilton, Pat O’Brien, RZA, Kevin Richardson of Backstreet Boys, Mya, Chad Hugo of The Neptunes, Teedra Moses, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Hercules and Big Tyme, Busta Rhymes, A.J. Johnson, Big Lez and Leelee Sobieski. 

More Usher Notes:  Ashanti arrived too late to get in, but boyfriend Nelly came outside to greet her before she left…Blu Cantrell was putting the moves on Halle Berry’s ex Eric Benet, and despite what another newspaper reported, folks seemed genuinely happy to see Benet out and about.  Cantrell wasn’t the only woman spotted trying to get at Benet that night…Da Brat was arm-in-arm with producer Jazze Pha most of the night…Pat O’Brien suffered from another “mysterious emergency” while attending Usher’s post-Grammy party.  O’Brien was supposed to interview Usher for The Insider’s exclusive coverage of the shindig, however, an Insider staffer told Usher’s handlers he had to leave because “something happened”…Songwriter Denise Rich may gave gotten her ex-husband Marc Rich a last minute pardon, but she couldn’t get into Usher’s post-Grammy party when she arrived late.  Rich showed up at Hollywood’s Geisha House on Sunday night with a party of five and became agitated when the party organizers told her she had to wait a few minutes before they could admit her.  Shortly thereafter, Usher arrived with new girlfriend, model Eishia Brightwell, and all attention went to them.  Rich stormed off with her posse back to their car.  

Fine Dining:  Biz Markie, publicist Lizzie Grubman and singer Joss Stone dining separately at Jerry’s Famous Deli…Londell McMillan having dinner with friends at Crustaceans…Jermaine Dupri and five friends downing some grub at The Ivy…

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JUICY Picks:  Check out this month’s hot picks and features.

Pontiac G6:  I drove Oprah Winfrey’s car.  Well, not exactly.  But I did get to spend a week in the hip, new Pontiac G6 that she gave out on the season premiere of her daytime talk show last fall.  This G6 is spunky and practical, capturing the perfect balance of both elegance and sportiness.  The car is both perfect in the city and on the highway, with its 16-gallon gas tank offering 32 miles per highway gallon.  It has a 3.5L V6 engine, telescopic steering, remote keyless entry, and its best feature is the four-panel panoramic roof.  If you’re looking for that automobile for all occasions and everyday use, then the Pontiac G6 will work well for you.  For more information, visit www.pontiac.com/g6.

Project Runway Finale:  I discovered this show after a friend Insana Collins told me to check it out.  I wasn’t won over by the first episode I saw of the series when I caught a marathon of the show one Sunday night, but by the second one, I was hooked.  Basically, the show, which airs Wednesday nights on Bravo, is a reality series offering 12 amateur designers the opportunity to compete week-to-week on design challenges that might include making an outfit for Nancy O’Dell of Access Hollywood to wear to the Grammys or a stylish update of a post office uniform.  Supermodel Heidi Klum hosts the series and designer Michael Kors is one of the anchor judges.  The series finale is on Wed., Feb. 23 on Bravo, and I’m hoping upstart designer Kara wins it all.  For more information, visit www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway. 

Nuts On Clark:  Talk about a treat.  This tasty popcorn was in my gift bag during my trip to Chicago, and I swear I’ve never tasted anything like it before.  It’s worth a trip to Chi-town by itself.  It was an amazing combination of caramel and cheese popcorn.  If you’re ever in Chicago, you have to experience it for yourself.  You can also order it online at www.nutsonclark.com.   

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Quickies:

~ “Everyone in Hollywood wants to do me,” says actress K.D. Aubert in the new Complex magazine. 

~ They have dressed Chingy, Free (106 & Park), Ruff Ryder's deejay Swizz Beatz, Jaheim, actor Lamman Rucker (As The World Turns), Kindred The Family Soul and always keep me dapper.  A special thanks to Aja Imani for keeping me “GQ.”  Aja Imani is located at 9244 East Hampton Drive, Suite #62, Capitol Heights, MD 20743.  Contact them at 301-324-8300 or at ajaimani@aol.com.

Well I’m Jawn and that’s your Juice!  See you next week!

E-mail me directly at GarekNews@hotmail.com because I never read the message board!

© 2002-2006 Jawn’s Juice.  All rights reserved worldwide. All information provided by Jawn’s Juice on this Internet site is for personal use only.  No commercial exploitation of anything contained herein may take place without prior written permission from the column’s author, Jawn Murray. Material contained herein may not be re-sold, loaned, hired, exchanged, bartered, or in any other way re-distributed in any other manner whatsoever.

* Kendra Story, a contributing editor of Upscale magazine, edited this column.  You may contact her directly at KendraStory@aol.com to inquire about writing and editing services only.  

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