By Bill Vaughan
Entertainment Writer
A who’s who of the some of the finest faith-based performers in music are convening this weekend for the 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena.
Co-hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality and comedian Loni Love, alongside Marconi Award-winning radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley, the July 20 event from Central City Productions will premiere on the Stellar Network on Aug. 3, BET on Aug. 4, and in broadcast syndication from Aug. 10 to Sept. 8.
Joining previously announced honorees, Kim Burrell (Aretha Franklin Icon Award) and Tye Tribbett (James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award), are newly announced performers: Chandler Moore (who also will sing at the El Rey on July 20), Kierra Sheard, Anthony Brown and group therAPy, Da’ T.R.U.T.H, Israel Houghton, Karen Clark Sheard, Kelontae Gavin, Koryn Hawthorne, Lisa Knowles-Smith, Mali Music, Melvin Crispell III, Rich Tolbert Jr., Tasha Page-Lockhart, Ricky Dillard and Tamela Mann.
Kirk Franklin, Erica Campbell, and Angel Taylor will make special appearances on the official blue carpet hosted by the engaging Willie Moore Jr.
Tickets to the taping and more information may be found at stellarawards.com or Ticketmaster.com.
TICKET WATCH: Reggae and dancehall legend Buju Banton (“Mr. Mention,” Before The Dawn”) is embarking on his first series of U.S. concerts in 13 years called “The Overcomer Tour” beginning in late August and arriving at Inglewood’s Intuit Dome Sept. 18. For tickets, which go on sale July 19, visit VividSeats.com.
TASTY QUIP: “If I’m going to get married, it’s to [Jennifer Hudson]. That’s simple as that. This is definitely … with all due respect to all the women I’ve dated ’cause it’s all love … but this is a really healthy and beautiful relationship. When you’re with somebody who’s from where you’re from, it’s a different kind of connection, too.” – COMMON to “The Breakfast Club on the bond with his fellow Chicagoan.
CLIPPETTES: Just one week after reporting here her addition to the cast of Ryan Murphy’s upcoming Hulu drama “All’s Fair” with Kim Kardashian and Glenn Close, Halle Berry has departed allegedly due to a conflict in her schedule …
Meanwhile, Jodie Turner-Smith (“Queen & Slim”) is coming on board for Paramount Plus/Showtime’s political thriller series “The Outfit” with Jeffrey Wright, Richard Gere and Michael Fassbender …
Will Downing croons at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach on July 19, while The 5th Dimension perform their hits at The Coach House, The Final Eric Andre Show Live! is at The Bellwether, and soul singer Gallant begins a two-night stand at The Sun Rose …
Pershing Square comes alive with afternoon concerts July 20 (The Stylistics, The Persuaders, The Drifters and Thee Midnighters) and 21 (Montell Jordan, Shai, Blaque, Ruff Endz). It’s all free with a RSVP at divercityconcerts.com …
Also July 20, Stephanie Mills is at The Saban, Lady Blackbird is at The Sun Rose, Ziggy Marley’s Circle of Peace Tour with special guests Lettuce comes to The Bellwether, and a bill of FloMilli, Fousheé and Mette is at The Broad …
In case you haven’t heard, Kanye West announced his retirement from making music …
More comedy is at the forefront July 22 with Deon Cole at the Hollywood Improv followed by Monderays with DeRay Davis …
“The Good Half,” a critically acclaimed slice of life from this year’s Tribeca Film Festival starring Nick Jonas, Alexandra Shipp (the other Storm in the “X-Men” movies), Brittany Snow (“Pitch Perfect”), David Arquette (“Scream”), Matt Walsh (“Veep”) and Elisabeth Shue gets screened July 23 and 25 at nationwide theaters courtesy of FathomEvents.com. Stay afterwards for an exclusive virtual conversation with Jonas, director Robert Schwartzman and special guest moderator Kiernan Shipka (“Twisters,” “Mad Men”) …
Comic Zainab Johnson is at the Hollywood Improv on July 24, as The Greyboy All Stars begin a two-night stand at The Venice West …
Spend an evening with The Baylor Project July 25 at The Sun Rose, while Cybill Shepherd stretches her vocal chops at Vibrato Grill.
TASTY QUIP: “You always have two choices: your commitment versus your fear.” – SAMMY DAVIS JR.
TC ON TV: July 19 – “Lady In The Lake” (Apple TV+): A seven-part Baltimore-set noir thriller executive produced by and starring Natalie Portman with Moses Ingram (“The Queen’s Gambit”), who takes over the role originally earmarked for Lupita Nyong’o. “Omnivore” (Apple TV+): Created and narrated by esteemed Noma chef René Redzepi, this stunning new documentary series takes viewers on an immersive journey into the world of food. “Abigail” (Peacock): The vampire movie with Giancarlo Esposito comes to streaming. “Good Morning America” (ABC): Kane Brown kicks off the Summer Music Concert Series. “Friday Night Vibes” (TBS): “Rush Hour” and “Rush Hour 2”
July 20 – “Abducted At An HBCU” (Lifetime): Naturi Naughton Lewis (“Power”) and Tanyell Quian (“Queen Sugar”) star in this tense ripped-from-the-headlines thriller which is the latest installment in executive producer Garcelle Beauvais’ “Black Girl Missing” movie franchise. “2024 WNBA All-Star Game” (ABC): Live from Phoenix, the match pits A’ja Wilson and the other WNBA All-Stars who comprise the USA Basketball Women’s National Team versus the remaining WNBA All-Stars including rookie sensations Angel Reese and Caitlin Clarke.
July 21 – “Biography: WWE Legends” (A&E): Mark Henry “Snowpiercer” (AMC): A final fourth season of the sci-fi series starring Jennifer Connelly, Daveed Diggs and Sean Bean (“Game of Thrones”). “Uncensored” (TV1): Pooch Hall “Raising Fame” (TV1): Earvin “Magic” Johnson
July 22 – “61st Street” (CW): The return of the Chicago-based court drama executive produced by Michael B. Jordan and starring Courtney B. Vance and Aunjanue Ellis. “Great Escapes with Morgan Freeman” (History): A second season of the series exploring real-life prison breaks that have captured the attention of the public. “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (ABC): Big Sean is performing a mini-concert free at 5 p.m. for tonight’s show guest hosted by Lamorne Morris. Visit 1iota.com for tickets.
July 23 – “Dress My Tour” (Hulu): Supermodel/actress Kate Upton hosts with dance guru Laurieann Gibson as a judge in this series following 11 aspiring fashion designers vying for a $100,000 grand prize by creating stunning fashion pieces for the likes of Toni Braxton, Paula Abdul, Ty Dolla $ign and more. “Celebrity Family Feud” (ABC): Robin Thicke vs. Anthony Anderson “Gods of Tennis” (PBS): Arthur Ashe and Billie Jean King “The Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets” (VH1): This reboot filmed in Medellin, Columbia, brings celebs Macy Gray, O.T. Genasis, Kim Zolciak, Chet Hanks and others under one roof as housemates. “Frontline” (PBS): Filmed over 34 years, “Two American Families: 1991-2024,” spotlights two clans struggling to survive in a changing American economy.
July 24 – “Land of Women” (Apple TV+): This series from Eva Longoria has become the best currently on TV! “Time Bandits” (Apple TV+): Taika Waititi adapts the cult classic movie by bringing the time travelling thieves to adventures in the ice age, Harlem Renaissance and more. “In The Arena: Serena Williams” (ESPN+): “Point of No Return” focuses on how the tennis great entered the 2007 Australian Open while battling her emotions after the death of sister Yetunde Price. “Resurrected Rides” (Netflix): Chris Redd works with a dream team of car experts to create stunning customized makeovers. “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” (ABC): Nicole Byer & Sasheer Zamata “Charlie Hustle & The Matter of Pete Rose” (HBO/MAX): A four-part documentary series chronicling the life and career of baseball’s controversial banned all-time hits leader. “Wayne Brady: The Family Remix” (Freeform): A new series that offers an intimate look into his blended family’s personal life, revealing unexpected points of view and values that most people (including his own family) have a hard time understanding.
July 25 – “Cirque du Soleil: Without A Net” (Prime): Dawn Porter (“John Lewis: Good Trouble”) directs this documentary following the resurgence of the famed troupe after the most difficult period in its history.
END QUOTE: “Instead of looking at the past, I put myself ahead 20 years and try to look at what I need to do now in order to get there then.” – DIANA ROSS
As featured in the Los Angeles Wave and Independent, Tasty Clips is one of the leading entertainment columns in the nation, serving nearly one million weekly readers. Bill Vaughan may be reached at tastyclips@yahoo.com, via Twitter @tastyclips, or Instagram @tasty_clips.
