(PROFILE) BRITE MIC ENT.: Using Music To Light Their Way To Success

Over the past five years, the Hip Hop genre of music has gone through its own transformation with artists emerging and leaving the scene almost as soon as they appeared. For Joey Calendar, CEO of Brite Mic Entertainment, though, that period of time has given him the opportunity to find his own voice, create the music he loves as well as what the people will respect and enjoy.

Orginially from the Bay Area of California, Joey Calendar, 33, and his artists Mike Hunter, Joseph Pryce and Prince the Pistol, are committed to staying in the game for the long haul. Calendar's interest in music began at a young age. His family owned a neighborhood bar with a jukebox, and it was just the catalyst he needed to make music a focal pont in his life.


Though there was enough to sway him into the wrong choices, Calendar saw music as a way of staying positive and doing something productive. Brite Mic began a way for him to get his own sound out. Even as a independent having to finance each part of his venture alone, he understoo the importance of marketing and promoting, getting t-shirts made and creating a buzz around the movement he hoped to create.

It wasn't easy, but with trial and error he realized that it was important to know each aspect of the business from producing, engineering and mixing to having to get your product out for others to hear. Another tool that has aided the direction Calendar has been pursuing is the internet. He acknowledges that it levels the playing field between artists with a recording deal as well as independent artists. It's all about reaching the most people with your product, and the worldwide web has made that easier.


Five years in and the hard work is paying off. Calendar is currently promoting his album R.A.M. H.A.M with the remix of the hit single "Goin' In" feat. E-40. Prince the Pistol is promoting his album The Testament. Mike Hunter is working on learning more about the business while at the same time pefecting his craft and finding his sound. Pryce is promoting his album PRYCELESS and is already seeing some national success with his single "Parttime" featuring artist Raw Smoov.

What does success look like for Calendar and Brite Mic? It's all about reaching a level where they can take care of their families, live a comfortable life and be in a position to continue giving the world great music. For them there is no better reward.

For more information about the Joey Calendar and the artists of Brite Mic Ent., visit www.britemic.com.

Brite Mic Entertainment is represented by Shadow Play Entertainment (www.shadowplayent.com). To schedule interviews, bookings for shows and appearances as well as sponsorships, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

BIGG MARV: Hammer's Cousin Making Moves As His Own Man

by Cyrus Webb


He might be known by many as simply M. C. Hammer's cousin, but Marvin Turell Grant known affectionally as Bigg Marv is making his own moves and building his own brand not just in the entertainment industry but in the community as well. The 34 year old has been around the highs and lows that come with success, but he always remembers what is important.

"It's all about family," he says with a smile. "Nothing else really matters. That is what I want people to know about me when they see me on tv or read about me. Without the family, the rest wouldn't mean anything."

The message of family was in the forefront of the successful first season of HAMMERTIME that debuted on A&E in 2009. In it you saw Hammer balancing his career and building a business along with keeping the family life going. With family being such a major part of the show, Bigg Marv was seen right along with them. "I feel thankful for people letting us into their homes the way they have through the show," he says.

Since music is a major part of what Hammer is known for, some might think that the obvious comparison to Hammertime would be Run's House. Bigg Marv says that another famous family of color is mentioned when he is talking with others about the show. "People compare it to the Cosby Show. I think because outside the music, it is a family show and is really about how the family is there regardless of what else is going on. I also like that comparison because of the positive image that is portrayed by the Cosbys. It shows that black families aren't all about the streets and that life. We can be successful and stick together through the good and bad."

Ironically, it was an incident in 2009 that would test the support that Bigg Marv would experience. At the height of the show's airing on television, he found himself in the midst of a real-life drama off screen that threatened to destroy everything he had been working for. Marv was worried not about the case, but about the way the allegations would be perceived. "I was concerned for my family and the impact it would have on them and my fans," he says. Part of what got him through what was his faith and realizing this was just another trial that he had to go through.

Though he doesn't want to get too into the situation that led to charges being filed against him, it should be noted that in June 2010 all charges against him were dropped in the case. In addition to that, Marv's attorney has been emphatic about the fact that no deal was made in the matter and no money was paid to anyone.

With that behind him, he is using his name recognition to continue his work in the community and fighting for the rights of children. Bigg Marv continues to work with Hammer's label Full Blast Music Group which includes artists Pleasure Ellis, J. D. Greer, Stooge Playaz and Dasit. He also consults for companies involved in the music business, including Brite Mic Entertainment.

No matter what he is involved in, though, Bigg Marv hopes to use his life as an example of what is possible for anyone with a dream or a vision as well as the passion to get things done. "You can't give up," he says. "Your life is not about where you are from. It is all about what you do with what you have."

Always communicating with fans through twitter at www.twitter.com/biggmarv and on video chats, Bigg Marv believes he is using his success to make a difference in the lives of other people. In his eyes, that is what it should be about. "All of this can be gone tomorrow," he reflects. "What's going to remain is the impact I've had on other people."

With that in mind, he pledges to use each day to the best of his ability, knowing that to whom much is given, much is required.

Bigg Marv is a part of the Shadow Play Entertainment Marketing and PR Group. For interview requests or appearances, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

Mississippi Native Makes Final Pitch To Have "OWN" National TV Show

(Tuesday, June 29, 2010) Since May 19, 2010 Mississippi native and mult-media personality Cyrus Webb has been actively campaigning in the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) competition to have a national tv show. Now with just days to go before the contest ends, he is taking advantage of every day to get the word out for people to vote for him in this unique opportunity.


Webb, 34, has made this an all-out campaign, creating yard signs, car magnets and flyers trying to get the word out about the competition and why he thinks he should win. He launched the website www.themaleoprah.com to keep people posted on his progress as well as to tout his accomplishments over the past 7 years on radio, tv, print and beyond. Webb started the "I Do It 5 Times A Day" campaign to encourage others to vote at least 5 times a day for him in the competition since there is no limit on the amount of times one person can vote.

Every day he is reminding his Facebook, Twitter and Myspace friends to vote each day, and on Saturday, July 3, 2010---the last day of the competition---he is hosting a "Voting Party" to give people a chance to meet him and cast their votes.


The Voting Party will be held from 11-1:30p.m. at the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) and is open to the public as well as the media. The lab has been reserved for the event, and you are able to come in, meet Webb and vote as many times as you would like. This is perfect for those who don't have computers as well as those who want to get to know Webb better and find out what he believes he brings to a national tv platform. Voting for the competition continues until 11:59p.m. EST on Sat. July 3, 2010.

Cyrus Webb has been working for over a decade to bring attention to issues that matter to people of all walks of life. Through his radio and tv show---each called Conversations---he has interviewed over 800 guests including nationally known individuals, up and coming stars as well as those who just have a story that needs to be told. His articles and interviews have appeared in the Clarion Ledger Newspaper, Jackson Advocate, The Rankin Ledger, Mississippi Link, Blagazine, Books2Mention Magazine, Crunk Magazine, Hype Magazine, S.T.I.L.L. Magazine and others. His co-ed book club called Conversations has garnered national attention for its diversity and ability to connect authors and readers. It has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, on MTV and other media outlets.

Currently Webb is in the top 100 of over 3200 entries in his category of Traditional Talk Show with 50,000 plus votes cast for him to date. His goal is to have over 100k votes by the end of the competition.

For more information, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.themaleoprah.com.

(June 23-25, 2010) This Week on Conversations LIVE! Radio

Radio show host Cyrus Webb ends his sixth year of hosting Conversations LIVE and prepares to usher in year seven with four powerful interviews this week.


WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010 (8p.m EST/7p.m. CST/5p.m.PT) --- Leonard Rowe, author of WHAT REALLY HAPPENED TO MICHAEL JACKSON, THE KING OF POP
As the 1 year anniversary of Michael Jackson nears, host Cyrus Webb welcomes concert promoter and author Leonard Rowe to Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss his career, relationship with the Jackson family, conversations with Michael and the events surrounding the King of Pop's death. Listen live as he discusses his new book WHAT REALLY HAPPENED TO MICHAEL JACKSON THE KING OF POP and takes YOUR QUESTIONS!


THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010 (1p.m. EST/12p.m. CST/10a.m. PT) --- Award-winning recording artist Musiq Soulchild
Cyrus Webb and co-host recording artist Unik welcome award-winning recording artist Musiq Soulchild to Conversations to discuss his career and his newest project.

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010 (8p.m. EST/7p.m. CST/5p.m. PT) --- Relationship expert Mr. Tell It Like It Is
Host Cyrus Webb welcomes Mr. Tell It Like It Is to talk about men and relationships, why men cheat and lie and his controversial new website http://www.whatyourmanwonttell.com. Have a question about your own relationship or want to challenge Mr. Tell It, listen for your opportunity to do just that!

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2010 (1p.m. EST/12p.m. CST/10a.m. PT) --- Bigg Marv of A&E's HAMMERTIME
He might be M. C. Hammer's cousin, but Bigg Marv is his own man, living his own life and doing things his way. He talks with Cyrus Webb of Conversations LIVE Radio about his beginnings, what success means to him and what you can expect next.

Listen to the shows live by going to www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive or going through the switchboard at 1.347.426.3645. Missed other interviews by Webb? Catch up by going to www.conversationsliveradio.com.

(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.

(Tues. June 15, 2010) Conversations Book Club Presents "YEARNING FOR CONTROL: The Andre Johnson Story"

On Tuesday, June 15, 2010 beginning at 6p.m., Conversations Book Club welcomes you to the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) for "YEARNING FOR CONTROL: The Andre Johnson Story". (Click on the flyer below to enlarge for details)

Join host and moderator Cyrus Webb as he talks with Andre Johnson, author of YEARNING FOR CONTROL, about living with bipolar disorder, the effects of mental illness on the entire and beyond as well as what he wants us to understand about what he is living with. Johnson will also answer questions and sign copies of his book on-site.

Admission is free to this event, and all the public is invited. For more information, contact Andre Johnson at 601.813.4383 or Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com. www.thebestbookclub.info