Mississippi Native Encourages Others To "Take Time To Read"

(Monday, December 27, 2010) Though a lover of books all of his life, 35 year old Mississippi native Cyrus Webb didn't realize the true importance of words until his adult years. "For me reading was a means of escape and a way to learn about the world," he says. "Today I realize that in many cases it can be the deciding factor between success and failure."

Because of this, in 2006 Webb began what has become the United States largest co-ed reading group, Conversations Book Club. Over the past four years it has hosted literary events across the country, creating spin-offs that embrace sports and music lovers. To date Conversations Book Club has hosted free events featuring 93 authors in Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Georgia. "We are all about encouraging reading," says Webb. "Since that is our aim, we have to be all things to all people to get them involved."

Since Mississippi still ranks at the top of the list when it comes to illiteracy, Webb feels obligated to focus his main literary efforts at home. His organization Shadow Play Entertainment recently announced its theme for 2011 as "A Year Of New Beginnings". Though this applies to various areas in life, for Webb, helping others to fall in love with books is at the top of his list of priorities.

On Thursday, December 30, 2010, Webb will be visiting two libraries sharing his organizations message for the New Year and giving out free books for all ages to help others get started reading as soon as possible. From 10-12p.m., he will be at the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Rd * Pearl, MS) and from 1-3p.m., he will be at the Margaret Walker Alexander Library (2525 Robinson St. * Jackson, MS). The books have been donated by Shadow Play Entertainment, Great Little Books, LLC and author Jackie Carpenter.

Webb also encourages individuals to visit his webpage www.taketimetoread.com and sign the pledge committing to reading in 2011.

For more information about events scheduled by Conversations Book Club around the United States, visit www.thebestbookclub.info. Cyrus Webb can be reached at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. His website is www.cyruswebb.com.

Multi-media Personality Cyrus Webb Shares A Decade Of His World Through The Arts

On Thurs. September 30, 2010, Mississippi native Cyrus Webb hosted "MY VOICE: A Decade In The Arts" at the Pearl Public Library in Pearl,MS.


The public event was to highlight Webb's contribution to the arts from 1999 to 2009 and show the world what he is doing moving forward.

In the first corner of the exhibit Webb exhibited some of his artwork.



Next he had some of his poetry chapbooks on display as well as his spoken word cd MY CONTROVERSY that is now available on http://spokencontroversy.blogspot.com.

From there Webb highlighted his community involvment since 1999 with organizations like the Partnership for a Healthy, Mississippi, VSA of Mississippi as well as speaking about the importance of the arts at schools in Mississippi such as Pearl High School, Peeples Middle School, Calloway High School, Lake Elementary School, Pecan Park Elementary School, Hardy Middle School, Jim Hill High School and Forest Hill High School.


On the next phase of the journey, Webb showcased the publications that he has written for over the years, including The Clarion Ledger, Rankin Ledger, Mississippi Link, Jackson Advocate, Blagazine.com, Crunk Magazine (ATL).
In 2006 he became the publisher and Editor-In-Chief of his own magazine called Conversations. The next issue debuts in mid-November and is the Dec. 2010/Jan. 2011 issue.

What those who attended the event saw next is what has become the largest part of Webb's life: the radio and tv versions of the Conversations Brand. He played the first tv edition of Conversations which debuted in April 2004 on 16 WAPT (ABC affilliate) in Jackson, MS as well as had interviews from his radio show available to listen to.
To date, Cyrus Webb has interview over 1,000 individuals on Conversations LIVE, the radio show that began on WMPR 90. 1 FM in July 2003 which is now heard on the radio dial on affilliates as well as online.

Those in attendance also saw Webb's only acting performance thus far. He was a part of the cast for the short film BROKEN SILENCE that addresses the issues of HIV/AIDS. It debuted at Crossroads Film Festival and later showed at other festivals in Mississippi.

Just two years after debuting the radio show, Cyrus Webb began Conversations the book club. Started with 3 members in November 2006 in Jackson, MS, the co-ed, multi-cultural reading group now has chapters in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana and has been written about not only in the South but by the Chicago Tribune as well. To date, Conversations Book Club has hosted literary events with 90 authors and is the largest co-ed reading group in the United States.


What's next for Webb? During the event he worked on a new piece of art called "Walking On Egg Shells", a pieces that is a part of a new series where he takes figure of speech and brings them to life. He is also working on his latest literary project, a religious thriller called BLESSED.


For more information about Cyrus Webb visit www.cyruswebb.com, email him at cawebb4@juno.com or contact him at 601.825.5883.

(Aug. 2, 2010) News From Shadow Play Entertainment

What a year it has been for Shadow Play Entertainment and its various subsidiaries. Month after month has been full of activity, and August seems to be no different. Below are the most current updates:

* Conversations Book Club has chosen "The Skinny On" series as its selection of the month for August 2010. Created by Jim Randel, it is the perfect set of books to address many of the issues Americans are dealing with from day-to-day. For details, visit www.theskinnyon.com

* CONVERSATIONS LIVE RADIO: After celebrating its 7th year on the radio in July 2010, Conversations LIVE Radio will bring you over 50 guests during the month of August 2010 that will span the arts, entertainment and current events that you have been hearing about. To see the full listing of guests, click this link: http://conversationslive.blogspot.com/2010/07/coming-up-in-august-2010-on.html

* (Sat. Aug. 7, 2010) Bestselling authr Roy Glenn will travel to Hinds, Rankin and Madison counties on Sat. August 7, 2010 to promote his newest book. For details of his schedule, visit this link:
http://conversationsbookclub.blogspot.com/2010/07/sat-aug-7-2010-mississippi-welcomes.html

* (Tues. Aug. 10, 2010) Motivational speaker and author Shay Olivarria will be in Mississippi on Tues. Aug. 10, 2010 sharing ways to make the best use of money using her book MONEY MATTERS. For details of her visit, click here: http://conversationsbookclub.blogspot.com/2010/07/tues-aug-10-2010-mississippi-welcomes.html

* (Saturday, August 14, 2010) ---- Shadow Play Entertainment will be hosting its next Hip Hop and Books Literacy Rally on Sat. August 14, 2010 beginning at 4p.m. at Smith Park (302 Amite St. *Jackson, MS). The free event will include performances by Mississippi's own Unik, Spida, Young Boi Hulk as well as special guests Joey Calendar and Pryce of Brite Mic Ent. from Oakland, California and Hip Hop and Books newest spokesperson Bigg Marv. For details visit this link: http://artbooksandbeats.blogspot.com/2010/07/west-coast-hip-hop-joins-south-in.html

* The Hip Hop and Books Literacy Campaign welcomes its new National Spokesperson, Bigg Marv. Known to many as the cousin of rap superstar M. C. Hammer and one of the co-stars of the hip reality show on A&E HAMMERTIME, Marv has been making moves promoting causes he believes in. Currently he is the President of the teen-driven non-profit HODGE PODGE, and will be traveling the country promoting the importance of reading and staying in school. For more details, visit www.hiphopandbooks.net.

* INSPIRATIONAL CONVERSATIONS'S NEW ONLINE HOME: The newest member of th Conversations radio family has been the creation of "Inspirational Conversations" on Sunday mornings at 10:30a.m. EST (9:30a.m. CST/7:30a.m. PT). Hosted by Cyrus Webb and author Mary E. Gilder, the program is designed to give listeners a message and motivation as they head into a new week. You can now keep up with the show, hear from the hosts and listen to past episodes online at http://inspirationconversations.blogspot.com.

To stay abreast of all the most recent news with Shadow Play Entertainment, visit www.shadowplayent.com. You can also contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

(Wed. July 7, 2010) News From Shadow Play Entertainment

* Conversations Book Club's July 2010 "Book of the Month" is DIARY OF A STALKER by bestselling author Electa Rome Parks. Find out more about her at www.electaromeparks.com.

* As Shadow Play Entertainment celebrated the 7th year anniversary of Conversations LIVE Radio on Sunday, June 27, 2010, it also debuted a new program to the family. "Inspirational Conversations" airs live on www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive each Sunday at 10:30a.m. EST (9:30a.m. CST/7:30a.m.PT) with hosts Cyrus Webb and Mary E. Gilder, author of A MISREPRESENTATION OF MYSELF. The 15 minute broadcast includes a motivational song for the upcoming week, a message of inspiration from Gilder and examples of those who inspire each day. To be a guest on the program contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

* Inked Magazine recently featured Shadow Play Entertainment client rapper/author Jacki-o in its "Inked For A Cause" series. Read the interview here: http://www.inkedmag.com/inked-for-a-cause/jacki-o/

* Beginning Sunday,July 18, 2010, DirecTV's 101 Network will air the 60 episode series The Wire. This is the second time in 2010 that the highly acclaimed series has been back in the news and given new life. Earlier this year it was announced that colleges like Harvard, Duke and others were offering courses built around the show. Shadow Play Entertainment client actor/author/recording artist Tray Chaney is excited about the news. His five year stint on the show as character Poot Carr has definitely opened up a fanbase for him worldwide and looks forward to the repeats reintroducing him and allowing some to see his acting skills for the first time. Find out more about what Tray has been up to at www.traychaneyblog.tumblr.com.

* Larry Wilson,Jr. aka DaPharoah69 has joined the Conference Call Conversations Tour through September 1, 2010. Look for the details to be added at www.conversationstour.com.

* Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to announce that California-based BRITE MIC ENTERTAINMENT has joined the family. Find out more about them here: http://shadowplayent.blogspot.com/2010/07/profile-brite-mic-ent-using-music-to.html

* Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to announce that Bigg Marv of HAMMERTIME fame on A&E and the cousin of rapper M. C. Hammer has joined the family. Catch up with what he has been doing, and what he looks forward to in the future: http://shadowplayent.blogspot.com/2010/07/bigg-marv-making-serious-moves-as-his.html

* Cyrus Webb recently interviewed supermodel Miguel Perdomo about his career and his advice for those looking to break into the business. Read the interview here: http://cawebbonline.blogspot.com/2010/06/driven-conversation-with-supermodel.html

* MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Shadow Play Entertainment's 2nd Annual National Day of Reading is slated for Sat. November 20, 2010. In 2009 over 30 states participated in the historic event, taking out time throughout the day to share the gift of reading. It is founder Cyrus Webb's goal to have all 50 states represented this year. To set up your own reading party in your state, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

(Sat. June 26, 2010) Hip Hop and Books Literacy Rally in Jackson, MS

Shadow Play Entertainment and Cyrus Webb host an afternoon of great music and free books just in time for the summer.

This Hip Hop and Books event will take place at Smith Park Downtown (206 Amite St. (Jackson, MS) from 12-3p.m. with performances by recording artists Spida, Unik, Playa Connected, Young Boi Hulk, Black Jewel and more. Domino's Pizza is the official food vendor and will have pizza and drinks available for purchasing.

Hosted by Webb, it is hoped that this event will not only provide great music from some of Mississippi's best, but encourage reading during the summer break for students and adults as well. Free books will be distributed courtesy of Shadow Play Entertainment, For The People Productions and Genesis Press.

For details, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.shadowplayent.com.

(Wed. June 16, 2010) News From Shadow Play Entertainment

Throughout the month of June 2010 Shadow Play Entertainment and Cyrus Webb are presenting several projects designed for individuals throughout the United States and beyond. They are also gearing up for exciting events later in the year. Here is the most recent snapshot of what you can look forward to or participate in now.

* Looking for talented authors to feature on your radio and tv programs or in your book club discussions? Through the Conference Call Conversations Tour, Shadow Play Entertainment has partnered with a great roster of authors who are making their mark on the world through words. To see who is involved and how you can get them to join you, visit www.conversationstour.com.

* With over 20,000 votes already cast for Cyrus Webb in the Oprah Winfrey Network competition to find the next big tv talk show host, there is still a need for all of your support to continue each day until the July 3, 2010 deadline. Remember that THREE COMPONENTS are being considered in this competition: the amount of votes, views of the audition video and the comments being left. You can vote as often as you would like for Webb each day. Visit www.themaleoprah.com for all the details and to see how else you can support him in this endeavor.

* (Sat. June 19, 2010) In the Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee or Mississippi area? Join Cyrus Webb and fashion designer Gail Ambeau at the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) from 11-1p.m. for a Voting Party in connection with the Oprah Winfrey TV competition to find the next big talk show host. Both are competing for the position but are working together to get the word out. For details, call Gail Ambeau at 601.500.0937 or email Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com. Information can also be found at www.themaleoprah.com.

* Conversations Book Club recently released its Top 25 Summer Reads of 2010. To see what books made the list, visit this link: http://conversationsbookclub.blogspot.com/2010/06/conversations-announces-its-top-25.html

* This week bestselling author Danielle Steel sent an email message to Cyrus Webb and members of Conversations Book Club. Read it here: http://tinyurl.com/32e9m2g.

* D. D. Turner, author of CHRONCICLES OF A HIP HOP LEGEND is featured in the recent Crunk Magazine newslettr. Read the interview here:
http://crunk-magazine.com/crunk_weekly_2010/june15.html

* Cyrus Webb and others who worked in the hospitality industry are featured in the June/July 2010 issue of Reader's Digest discussing secrets some hotels don't want you to know. Visit the Reader's Digest website or your local newsstand to read the article.

* (Sat. June 26, 2010) HIP HOP AND BOOKS RALLY IN JACKSON, MS * Shadow Play Entertainment and Cyrus Webb host an afternoon of great music and free books just in time for the summer. This Hip Hop and Books event will take place at Smith Park Downtown (206 Amite St. (Jackson, MS) from 12-3p.m. with performances by recording artists Spida, Unik, Playa Connected, Young Boi Hulk, Black Jewel and more. Domino's Pizza is the official food vendor and will have pizza and drinks available for purchasing. For details, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

* On Sunday, June 27, 2010 @ 10:30a.m. EST (9:30a.m. CST/7:30a.m. PT), Shadow Play Entertainment debuts its newest addition to the Conversations brand: "Inspirational Conversations Radio"! Hosted by Cyrus Webb and Mary Gilder (author of A MISREPRESENTATION OF MYSELF), the 15 min. weekly segment will focus on a encouraging thought for the new week, inspiring music and a book selection to helpyou with some of the issues we all face. Look for guests to join the show as well from time to time. To be considered for the program or to inquire about how your book can be featured, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. The show will be heard live at www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive.

* Deborah Gary, author of TEENAGE MOTHER'S GUIDE OF SURVIVAL will be interviewed by Barry Eva on "A Book and A Chat" on June 29, 2010 @ 6:30p.m. EST (5:30p.m. CST/3:30p.m. PT). Listen to the interview live at www.blogtalkradio.com/across-the-pond.

* ANNUAL NATIONAL DAY OF READING 2010: Will you take part in this year's National Day of Reading? The event is set for Sat. November 20, 2010. Our goal is to get events scheduled in all 50 states to show our commitment to making reading a priority. 30 states took part in last year's event. Sign up today! Contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616 for more information or visit www.thewritestufftv.com.

To stay abreast of everything going on with Shadow Play Entertainment, bookmark www.shadowplayent.com.

(Mon. May 17, 2010) News From Shadow Play Entertainment

Since January 2010, clients of Shadow Play Entertainment have appeared in over 50 stories online and in print as well as on radio an tv programs. With Spring here and Summertime approaching, Shadow Play President Cyrus Webb is excited about what is in the works for the rest of the year as well as things yet to come. In this newsletter you will get a snapshot of current activities and ongoing projects.


* Shadow Play Enertainment's pride and joy, Conversations LIVE! Radio, is gearing up for it's 7th year of interviews and discussions in July 2010. To prepare, the program is taking a hiatus beginning Monday, June 7, 2010 until Friday, June 25, 2010. When the program returns it will continue to host Chef Bruce Tretter's "Quick and Easy Cooking", Herschel Dixon's "Weekly Sports Wrap-Up" and Gail Ambeau's "Fashion Forward". New to the line-up will be an exciting new program called "Inspirational Conversations" with Cyrus Webb and co-host Mary Gilder, author of A MISREPRESENTATION OF MYSELF. It will air live on Sunday mornings at 10:30a.m. EST (9:30a.m. CST/7:30a.m. PT) and include an musical selection, words of inspiration for the week by Gilder and either a guest or book selection from Webb. Look for more details soon at www.conversationsliveradio.com.

* On Thursday, May 20, 2010, J. Nicole Spencer (author of SARAH'S SECRETS) will be an in-studio guest on The Angie Strader Show. Details are at www.tinyurl.com/theangiestradershow or www.wishuponahero.com

* Ladies, are you looking for something that visually expresses the beauty you feel about yourself on the inside? Then fashion designer Gail Ambeau has something for you. Introducing Ambeau's Affirmations, and the first t-shirt, I AM BEAUTIFUL, is now available. See the shirt and get details at www.tinyurl.com/gailambeau and purchase yours here: https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=twjfOo_yt393XKGheyldLi_9_vHyYR-sRQWrn7TB7w_pWutBS8VnPQQfI4i&dispatch=50a222a57771920b6a3d7b606239e4d529b525e0b7e69bf0224adecfb0124e9bd7371532d7fbae47438e81694aebe304157fd44efd47332c

* Throughout May 2010 and continuing throughout September 2010, a body of talented authors are "touring" the world with Shadow Play Entertainment through interviews, profiles and book discussions in what is called the Conference Call Conversations Tour. Visit www.conversationstour.com for all the details about how you can "book" any of them today. You can also purchase their book directly from the site through Amazon.com. Participating authors include Electa Rome Parks (DIARY OF A STALKER), Jermaine Demouchette (JAMES DEMOUCHETTE VS. THE STATE OF TEXAS), J. Nicole Spencer (SARAH'S SECRETS), Andre Johnson (YEARNING FOR CONTROL), Deborah Gary (TEENAGE MOTHER'S GUIDE TO SURVIVAL: Rising Above The Odds), D. D. Turner (CHRONICLES OF A HIP HOP LEGEND), Steve Hyppolite (A WARRIOR'S PASSAGE), Mary E. Gilder (A MISREPRESENTATION OF MYSELF), Mr. Mean Mug (TATTOO TEARS), Maria Stewart (LOOKING FOR CLOSURE), Mark Eller (TRAITOR), Gary Kaschak (LIFESTONE), Rita B. Davis (OVERWHELMED), Joseph Henderson (I DON'T WANT TO DIE ALL ALONE), Patricia A. Thomas (GOD REVEALS A MYSTERY), H. Michael Harvey (PAPER PUZZLE), T. C. Alexander (CONSEQUENCES OF ADULTERY), Dr. Diane Hassan (ANGELS AMONG US...EVEN IN IRAQ), DeLa Sandra McKnight (THE SPIRIT OF NEW ORLEANS) and Tray Chaney (THE TRUTH YOU CAN'T BETRAY).

* In May 2010 Cyrus Webb visited Mrs. Jacqueline Bolden's classes at Peeples Middle School in Jackson, MS to talk about who they are, how the world sees them and what their plans are for the future. The project was called "What Makes Me ME" and resulted in the students pouring out their hearts on paper for the world to see. Read their amazing stories here: http://cawebbonline.blogspot.com/2010/05/shadow-play-entertainment-presents-what.html

* Ever since USA Today profiled Cyrus Webb's forum on the Presidential election in 2008, his series "Cyrus Webb Presents..." has gotten national attention. Now with them being carried not only with in-person events but through his radio show Conversations LIVE!, people everywhere are paying attention and getting involved. See which conversations you missed and what's coming up at this link: http://cawebbonline.blogspot.com/2010/05/introducing-cyrus-webb-presents.html

For more information about any of the above, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also find out additional information at www.shadowplayent.com or www.cyruswebb.com.

(Monday, March 15, 2010) News From Shadow Play Entertainment

Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to give you this week's important news stories:


Cyrus Webb, President of Shadow Play Entertainment, is quoted in a new article by The Entreprenette Gazzette discussing the pros and cons of having celebrities endorse your product or services. See here:
http://theentreprenettegazette.com/2010/03/10/do-celebrity-endorsements-hurt-or-help-your-business/

Recently Shadow play Entertainment discovered that it's online edition of its radio program, Conversations LIVE!, was chosen as one of Blogtalkradio.com's top 200 shows of 2009! Thanks to all of our loyal listeners,some tens of thousands across the world, for your support. We are committed to bringing you the very best of the arts, entertainment and current events on the radio, and with your help we will continue to do so.

Resident Chef Bruce Tretter, host of "Quick & Easy Cooking Tips" on Conversations LIVE! Radio, has a new recipe featured by The Beauty Bean's popular website. Take a look at this delicious dish here: http://thebeautybean.com/site/nourish/healthy-recipe-fresh-fruit-salad-with-a-twist/

Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to welcome two new authors to its growing public relations family: Rita B. Davis (OVERWHELMED) and Andre Johnson (YEARNING FOR CONTROL). Find out more information about each client at www.shadowplayent.com.

(Sat. March 20, 2010)Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to be hosting bestselling author Electa Rome Parks in events in Jackson and Pearl, Mississippi. See http://tinyurl.com/yb3g76h for details.

(Fri. March 26th & Sat. March 27, 2010) Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to be hosting author/media personality Herndon Davis in events in Jackson and Pearl, Mississippi. See http://tinyurl.com/yl5juxn for details.

(Sat. April 3, 2010) Shadow Play Entertainment welcomes author Rita B. Davis to discuss her book OVERWHELMED with Conversations Book Club at Appetizers Restaurant (3000 Hwy 80 E * Pearl, MS) from 6-8p.m.

(April 15-17, 2010) Shadow Play Entertainment will be hosting national recording artist/author Jacki-O and authors Mr. Mean Mug and Jermnine Demouchtte in events centered around its Hip Hop and Books Literacy Campaign in Mississippi. Find details here: http://tinyurl.com/yf8y226

For details on any of the above, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com, 601.896.5616 or visit www.shadowplayent.com.