Author Ish Major in Mississippi: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

(Saturday, February 27, 2010) Shadow Play Entertianment and Conversations Book Club thank South Carolina resident Ish Major, M. D. for coming to Mississippi to discuss his book LITTLE WHITE WHYS. He spent the day in Pearl, Mississippi in a series of events and conversations that brought out individuals of all backgrounds and interests.

It began at the Pearl Public Library talking with book club members and other interested persons about the issue of relationships and the differences between men and women on the issue.






Joining the discussion were regulars Mario Perdue (D.I.G.M.E.), Diane Johnston and Rickey Thigpen (Executve Vice-President of The Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau). Ish also was able to meet with Branch Manager Mara and discussed some of her plans for the library and promoting literacy in the city.


Later in the evening, Conversations met at its new partner, Appetizers in Pearl, Mississippi. There book club member Dana Hampton,Mississippi authors Rita B. Davis (Overwhelmed) and Andre Johnson (Yearning For Control) and motivational speaker Rochet Wells met up for good food and conversation with the visiting author.







Find out more about Ish Major and his book at www.littlewhitewhys.com. To stay informed of other events hosted by Shadow Play Entertainment and Conversations Book Club, visit www.thebestbookclub.info.

(Sat. Feb. 27, 2010) Mississippi Welcomes author Ish Major, M.D.

(Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010) Shadow Play Entertainment and Conversations Book Club is pleased to announce that board-certified adult psychiatrist/author Ish Major, M.D. will be visiting Mississippi for the first time on Saturday, February 27, 2010 to promote and discuss his exciting new book LITTLE WHITE WHYS (A Woman's Guide through the Lies Men Tell and Why)*. This is part of Conversations' "Read Well, Eat Well, Live Well" campaign designed to provide something for everyone in 2010.


Hosted by Conversations Book Club President Cyrus Webb and its members, Ish will be at the following locations in Pearl, Mississippi (Rankin County):

* 1-3p.m., Meet and Greet/Booksigning @ Pearl Public Library (Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) --- Come meet the author and hear him discuss his book. The first FIVE VISITORS get a FREE COPY of LITTLE WHITE WHYS (regularly $14.95, plus taxes)

* 6-8p.m., Appetizers Restaurant (3086 HWY 80 E * Pearl, MS) --- Come out to Appetizers, get some delicious food and join Ish as he talks about the book, answers your relationship questions and more! The first FIVE VISITORS for the discussion get a FREE COPY of LITTLE WHITE WHYS!

As with all events hosted by Conversations Book Club, these meetings are FREE and open to the public! You are invited to bring a friend and meet with the author, making his first literary visit in the Magnolia State a success.

For more information, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. To find out more about Conversations Book Club, visit www.thebestbookclub.info.

* ABOUT LITTLE WHITE WHYS: A meaningful, fulfilling, lasting, and loving relationship begins with the truth. In this creative yet honest approach, Ish Major helps women uncover the truth about men. Mixing humor with serious advice, the book serves as a guide for women navigating the dating world in regard to meeting, getting to know, dating, falling in love, and committing to that special someone. It will help women decipher men's maneuverings to uncover the truth and to enjoy a loving, lasting relationship.

Actor/Author/Recording artist Tray Chaney featured on Bellaonline.com

Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to announce that author/actor/recording artist Tray Chaney is featured on Bellaonline.com.

The article, BOOKS THAT HAVE CHANGED LIVES, by Paula Laurita shares the books that have affected movers and shakers across the United States. To read about what book made an impact on Chaney and others, visit this link: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art65748.asp

(Sat. Feb. 20, 2010) Conversations Welcomes Author H. Michael Harvey

Shadow Play Entertainment and Conversations Book Club are pleased to welcome author Harold Michael Harvey (H. Michael Harvey) and his dramatic Southern novel Paper Puzzle to Mississippi, the land of  Evers, Till and others on Saturday, February 20, 2010.  Harvey says, "Paper Puzzle is very much about the mindset that allowed those murders to take place."

Led by President Cyrus Webb, Harvey's visit is part of Conversations Book Club's promotion of reading and conversation among book lovers of all ages and backgrounds.

Paper Puzzle introduces dual protagonists, one white, Clay Moore managing editor of the town's daily newspaper and Jimmy Royal editor of the local black weekly tabloid. Both men as cub reporters covered a gangland styled murder and were pulled off the story by their publishers before anyone was brought to justice.

As time passes the two men kept thoughts of it in the back of region of their minds. Suddenly, Clay Moores' life is interrupted when he discovers news clippings from the gangland styled murder in his bed each morning. When Clay's security and career is threatened by a powerful federal judge he is forced to turn to the only other person who can help him solve the paper puzzle laying in his bed. He turns to Jimmy Royal and together the two reporters in the spirit of Woodard and Bernstein uncovers decades of injustice hidden neatly under the guise of the social mores of the times.

"History has shown," Harvey says, "that the men who committed those brutal acts knew they could get away with them because the local courts and local press would not allow the truth to come out.   What the white supremacist did not count on was the persistent will of the people, honestly seeking the truth."

Here is the public schedule for Harvey while visiting Mississippi:

                                                   SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2010                                  
10-12p.m., Meet and Greet/ Booksigning @ Medar Evers Library (4215 Medgar Evers Blvd. * Jackson, MS)

1-3p.m., Meet and Greet/Booksigning @ Pearl Public Library (Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS)

6-8p.m., Appetizers Restaurant (3086 HWY 80 E * Pearl, MS)

____________________________________________________________________

All events are free and open to the public. For details, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

ABOUT PAPER PUZZLE  

What does a five year old black boy do when his grandmother warns him he cannot play behind the sales counter with the grandson of the white shop owner in the mid 1950s? If he is Harold Michael Harvey he embarks upon a lifetime journey to understand social mores and how to overcome them.

For the 58 year old Harvey the end result is the publication of his first novel Paper Puzzle. The novel released in the southern fiction genre, is set in Harvey's hometown of Macon, Georgia, by the largest traditional publishing house in the nation, Publish America. He draws on his past experiences as an award winning journalist and award winning trial lawyer to spin a tale of mystery cloaked in the traditions of the South. Visit www.paperpuzzle.net for details about the author and the book.

To find out more about Conversations Book Club and its commitment to literacy, visit www.thebestbookclub.info.

Shadow Play Entertainment Welcomes Artist/Fashion Designer Gail Ambeau

Always looking for ways to anticipate the needs and wants of its growing audience and fanbase, Shadow Play Entertainment is excited to announce that artist, fashion designer and stylist Gail Ambeau is now a member of the family.

"Gail and I have known each other and worked together over the years," says Shadow Play Entertainment President Cyrus Webb, 34. "It has been great to watch her expand on her brand, and I am thrilled about being a part of her team as she moves her career forward."

In the past Webb has joined Ambeau in hosting an art exhibit featuring her work and a fashion showing with national recording artist and author Jacki-O.

A native of Toledo, Ohio but currently living in Jackson, MS, Gail Ambeau is definitely showing that she has the skills and staying power needed to be a driving force in the fashion and entertainment industry. In 2009 one of her garments was the key piece for national Gospel recording artist and Gospel Music Channel’s 2008 Gospel Dreams winner Melinda Watts debut video--- So Good. She also styled America’s Next Top Model (cycle 4) Tiffany Richardson for a photo shoot with celebrity photographer Derek Blanks and participated in the Florida Designers’ Expo.



But celebrity fashion is not all she is about "I want to create more style options and multi functional pieces especially for real woman (size 12 to 22) so that they can feel good about themselves and look just as good as the women who sometimes get all of the face time in the media," says Ambeau.

How has she maintained her drive and determination in spite of challenges in the business? The answer for her is simple. "With the support of my husband and family," she explains. "I have maintained my drive and focus because I want to be able to leave a legacy for my children and grand children. I want them to see that success has more than one path."

Another path that the 45 year old is beginning in 2010 is that of talk show host. "Gail is an expert in what she does," says Webb. "I want to work with her in getting the most out of her abilities." Beginning in March 2010, Webb will co-executive produce a weekly show called 'Fashion Forward with Gail Ambeau'. The show will allow Gail to talk directly to the public about what works and what doesn't in fashion, share interviews with those in the entertainment world as well as answer questions from the public. 'Fashion Forward' will debut on Fri. March 5, 2010 @ 1:30p.m. EST (12:30p.m. CST/10:30 a.m. PT).

What advice does Gail have for those who have a dream? "First, obey the voice of God. Be willing to stick with it through the hard times to make it to the other side and be willing to give up some things.”

To find out more about Gail, visit www.shadowplayent.com and click on the links. Interested in an interview, appearance of booking? Contact Cyrus Webb @ cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

Literary Texas Takeover in Mississippi: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

(NOTE: Missed day one's events? Click here to catch up!)

(Fri. Feb. 5, 2010) With no rain in sight and the sun trying to show itself, day 2 of the literary Texas Takeover in Mississippi began with a visit to Morrison Academic Advancement Center in Jackson, MS. Thanks to the warm invitation by the Principal (Mrs. Sherry Sterling) and the support of recording artist and poet Blak Jewel, authors Jermnine Demouchette and Mr. Mean Mug were able to share once again their story of missteps, redemption and the lessons learned.


The students listened intently during the entire presentation, but it was during the final moments of the visit that Blak Jewel, who also has a son at the school, revealed how Mean Mug and Demouchette had inspired them to share something personal about herself. She went on to tell the students that she had been molested growing up, and how she went on to make decisions that weren't the best. "I am now a single woman with four kids," she said, "and it's hard." Blak Jewel went on to say that it was possible to learn from your mistakes, and she thanked the authors again for being willing to help others.



From there, Demouchette and Mr. Mean Mug returned to Peeples Middle School to share their final thoughts with some of the students in Mrs. Bolden's class.

It was during this visit that retired Professor Charlie Gaulden met the gentleman and had a chance to share the work that he was doing to help those in the Jackson area that were in need.



It was a successful first tour stop for the Texas Takeover, but it is only just beginning of what will be an incredible adventure for the authors, the experiences they have to share and the good they will be able to do.

"The two of them met each other because of books," says Conversations Book Club President Cyrus Webb. He works as the publicist for both authors and is scheduling the tour stops. "They have been living in the same state for all this time, but it was their books that brought them together to help others."

Webb is now working to get organizations in Texas to see the benefit of such a pairing. "They compliment each other well, and I think it will be a win-win for them and their state."

Find out more information about the Texas Takeover and upcoming events at www.shadowplayent.com.

Mississippi Prepares For A Literary Texas Takeover In Feb. 2010

The book club that has brought Mississippi attention by hosting almost 80 authors since 2006 is gearing up for another incredible year of success in promoting reading in the Magnolia State. Cyrus Webb, President and Founder of Conversations Book Club and the Hip Hop and Books Colition, is pleased to announce that Texas authors Shane Gregory aka Mr. Mean Mug (TATTOO TEARS) and Jermnine Demouchette (JAMES DEMOUCHETTE VS. THE STATE OF TEXAS) will be bringing their message of hope and redemption to Mississippi Thursday, February 4th and Friday, February 5th. Billed as the Literary Texas Takeover, the two will be visiting schools, libraries and small groups to talk about their life experiences, their transition from the streets to the bookstores and what young people can and should learn from them.


"It is an honor to host these two in their first visits to Mississippi," says Webb, 34. He read both of their books and knew that they would be a great addition to his campaign. "I know everyone they meet on their visit will benefit from what they have to say."



Both Mr. Mean Mug and Jermnine Demouchette came to Conversations Book Club and Hip Hop and Books through their connections with two prominent members of his literary coaltion. Demouchette learned of Webb because of his work with platinum-selling recording artist and bestselling author Corey "C-Murder" Miller, while Mr. Mean Mug was introduced by recording artist and author Jacki-O.

"What Cee did with his book (Death Around The Corner) showed me that I could use my skills in a positive way," says Demouchette. Mr. Mean Mug thought the same and added this: "When Jacki-O came out with her book (Grown & Gangsta), it just proved to me that anything was possible."

Webb believes that the urban community has always been a reading community, but he knows that the message is sometimes accepted easier when those listening can relate to the messenger. "Books have the ability to cross racial lines, backgrounds and begin important dialogue," he says. "I know that through their work, these authors will be able to encourage others and hopefully open some minds along the way." Webb will also be hosting the Literary Texas Takeover tour as it moves to other parts of the country throughout the year as part of the Hip Hop and Books movement.

(READ WEBB'S INTERVIEW WITH MR. MEAN MUG HERE: http://authorstaketen.blogspot.com/2009/09/take-ten-our-exclusive-with-mr-mean-mug.html . WEBB'S INTERVIEW WITH JERMNINE DEMOUCHETTE IS HERE: http://conversationsbookclub.blogspot.com/2009/09/bio-about-executed-texas-inmate-uses.html )

Details about Conversations and its projects can be found at www.thebestbookclub.info or www.hiphopandbooks.com. To find out more about upcoming events, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616 or Herschel Dixon at 502.291.4201.