By Bill Vaughan
Best-selling author, chef, and vegan lifestyle advocate Charity Morgan is bringing her gospel to Max with the Aug. 22 premiere of the culinary special “Unbelievably Vegan with Chef Charity.”
The graduate of Le Cordon Blue College of Culinary Arts, who has over 15 years of professional cooking experience, found a niche alongside her husband, former NFL linebacker Derrick Morgan, in providing vegan meal preparation for pros and educating them on the benefits of a vegan diet. She is also known for catering a plant-based menu for Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth’s Nashville wedding.
The show spotlights Chef Charity’s mission to integrate vegan options onto the menu at Nashville’s beloved Germantown Pub, a local sports bar run by a stubborn chef who’s set in his meat-eating ways.
Her “Three R” system of “Replace, Replicate, Reveal” is put to the test as she pulls out all the stops to convince these carnivores to let a little vegan into their lives and onto their menu.
If the chef seems familiar, she played a prominent role in the Netflix documentary “The Game Changers,” which follows UFC fighter James Wilks on a quest to find the optimal diet for human performance and health.
To follow her recipes, check out Chef Charity’s popular cookbook “Unbelievably Vegan,” published by Clarkson Potter.
SCREEN STUFF: Terrence Howard (“Empire,” “Shirley“) returns as the lead of Lionsgate’s twisty thriller, “Crescent City,” opening Aug. 16 in theaters, and digital/on demand. RJ Collins’ whodunit features a top-notch supporting cast including Esai Morales (“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning”) and Alec Baldwin. Be forewarned, it is quite the ride before its shocking conclusion.
ARRAY HQ presents a screening marathon and conversation for Maestro: A Tribute to Filmmaker Bill Duke on Aug. 17 beginning at 1 p.m. The free event will show “A Rage in Harlem,” “Hoodlum,” and “Deep Cover” to be followed by an exclusive chat with Duke moderated by ARRAY founder and filmmaker Ava DuVernay. Guests must RSVP and possess a ticket for each film. Visit ARRAYPlay.com to proceed.
Also that day, the Getty Center hosts a free (with RSVP) screening of “Alison Saar: Found Spirit” followed by a conversation with the artist led by the film’s director Rachel Rivenc to explore her work through the lens of its conservation, and to take questions from the audience, both in person and virtual. Get more info at Getty.edu.
The Grammy Museum presents a special screening of “Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys,” the first official documentary about the iconic musician and legendary founding member of the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, on Aug. 21. Afterwards, Executive Producers Young Dirty Bastard (son of ODB), Icelene Jones (wife of ODB), Nicole Beckett, Messiah Jacobs, and co-directors Sam Pollard and his son Jason Pollard will talk about the creative process behind the film.
The 2024 Slamdance Audience Award-winning feature film, “African Giants,” will have a one-week theatrical release beginning Aug. 21 at Laemmle’s Royal Theatre and Aug. 22 at North Hollywood Theatre followed by a Q&A with special guest moderators. The film tells the story of two Sierra Leone-American brothers over a weekend visit in L.A., as they navigate the changing dynamics of brotherhood after a surprise announcement.
CLIPPETTES: Bruno Mars makes history with his opening of the city’s new jewel, aka the Intuit Dome, Aug. 16, while The Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes & MARO are at the Hollywood Bowl, St. Vincent at The Greek, and comedian Lewis Black at The Venetian …
In addition, Olivia Rodrigo has a pair of nights at The Forum before hitting the Intuit Dome Aug. 20, SiR plays the House of Blues prior to the Palladium Aug. 22, the John Pizzarelli Trio has a weekend stand at Catalina Jazz Club, and Seth MacFarlane & Orchestra are at Vibrato Grill …
According to Spotify, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” has become the most streamed diss track (towards Drake) surpassing Tupac’s “Hit ‘Em Up” …
Madison McFerrin gives a free show at Grand Performances Aug.17 as Sister Sledge featuring Sledgendary go on at The Music Center, Dionne Warwick brings the hits to Pechanga Casino, Sara Bareilles & Orchestra fill the Hollywood Bowl, and “Bookie” star Sebastian Maniscalco headlines at the Intuit Dome …
Aug. 18 finds Gregory Porter, George Benson & Lizz Wright at the Hollywood Bowl, while the Queens Of R&B Tour (Xscape, SWV, Mýa, Total & 702!) comes to The Forum …
The Original Lakeside topline the free 12th annual Uptown Jazz Festival on Aug. 19 at Long Beach’s Houghton Park. Later, Ice Spice hits The Palladium, and Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani, Jason Bonham & Loverboy come to rock The Forum …
Kid Cudi, Pusha T & Jaden visit Crypto.com Arena on Aug. 20, as ‘80s Brit pop stars Howard Jones, ABC & Haircut 100 are in concert at YouTube Theater, Son Little is at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, and reggaeton hitmaker Don Omar is at Crypto.com Arena with a show the next night at Toyota Arena …
The Hollywood Bowl hosts the powerhouse pairing of Gary Clark Jr. & The War and Treaty on Aug. 21, while the Elliott Brothers and Chris Spencer bring their Comedy Block Party to Inglewood’s Miracle Theater …
Alice Smith’s residency at the Peppermint Club continues Aug. 22, as Deon Cole is at the Improv, Ellis Hall at Vibrato Grill, and Squeeze & Boy George (who is getting a biopic) at YouTube Theater.
HI: “I’m looking for a love that’s kind and understanding. Some qualities I’m looking for in a potential partner is somebody who’s adventurous, somebody who’s affectionate and somebody who’s loving. I can’t wait for this incredible journey to get kicked off; it’s going to be so fun and I hope you guys tune in. Peace!” – GRANT ELLIS, the day trader and former NBA player who was chosen star of the upcoming season of ABC’s “The Bachelor” making him the second Black man ever.
TC ON TV: Aug. 16 – “The Union” (Netflix): Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg star in this action flick with Mike Colter, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Jackie Earle Haley and J.K. Simmons. “RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars” (Paramount+): Twelve fan favorites from around the world will each represent their countries as they compete for the title of “Queen of the Mothertucking World,” a $200,000 grand prize, and spot in the international pavilion at the Drag Race Hall of Fame. “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” (MAX): An early streaming premiere of one of the year’s best films. “Aisha” (Tubi): Letitia Wright (“Marvel’s Black Panther”) portrays a Nigerian refugee seeking asylum in Ireland. “Friday Night Vibes” (TBS): It’s Martin Lawrence night with both “Big Momma’s House” movies. “Wiggin’ Out with Tokyo Stylez” (WE): Tiffany “New York” Pollard & Ts Madison
Aug. 17 – “Killer Relationship with Faith Jenkins” (Oxy): A third season of true crime evil stories of love hosted by the presiding “Divorce Court” judge. “Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted By Love” (Lifetime): Starring and executive produced by Garcelle Beauvais (“Black Girl Missing”) as part of her extended relationship with the network. Lela Rochon and Loretta Devine, who both previously starred in McMillan’s “Waiting to Exhale,” reunite in this film.
Aug. 18 – “Hollywood Black” (MGM+): Following the unrest of the 1960s, Black filmmakers look to celebrate Black culture on screen. As Hollywood begins to see dollar signs, Black actors and directors try to maintain their dignity without selling out. “Raising Fame” (TV1): John Legend
Aug. 19 – “Celebrity IOU” (HGTV): “Wanda Sykes Razes The Roof” “History’s Greatest Escapes with Morgan Freeman” (History): “The Sobibor Revolt” “The Tonight Show” (NBC): Rapsody featuring Erykah Badu, Michael Keaton
Aug. 20 – “Untold: The Murder of Air McNair” (Netflix): This documentary tracks the rise of legendary NFL quarterback Steve McNair and the perplexing details surrounding his shocking murder in 2009. “Langston Kerman: Bad Poetry” (Netflix): The comic actor talks parenting a top-tier baby, teaching mean teens and managing his mother-in-law’s dating apps in this stand-up comedy special. Kerman is hosting a viewing party at 7:30 p.m. at Dynasty Typewriter.
Aug. 21 – “In The Arena: Serena Williams” (ESPN+): During the Italian Open, love is in the air when Williams meets Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit. Shortly after getting engaged, she heads into the 2017 Australian Open with the hopes of winning her 23rd Grand Slam, all while carrying a secret.
Aug. 22 – “Classified” (Prime/Freevee): Follows a rebellious teenager (Imani Pullum) as she is uprooted from her home in Oakland and forced to move in with her estranged father in South Africa. “Reasonable Doubt” (Hulu): A second season of the legal drama starring Emayatzy Corinealdi as the most brilliant and fearless defense attorney in Los Angeles who bucks the justice system at every chance she gets.
END QUOTE: “You’ve got to know who you are before you step into this business, because if you’re trying to find it, you’ll probably wind up being somebody else, that you probably don’t even like.” – WHITNEY HOUSTON
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.
