February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

The photos in this gallery were taken in the 10th Annual Toast 2 Urban Executives Awards presented by the Lynn Jeter & Associates PR Firm in Los Angeles. In recognition of Black Music Month, the event organizers celebrated the contributions of four incredible music executives: Tunji Balogun x Lynn Scott x Jeriel Johnson and Brander Ringo. Special Guest appearances by All Eyez On Me Chris Clarke x Heart of Job

Full commentary posted on the Swurv Radio and Grip Magazine website.

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is a featured writer for Black Moguls Magazine x Magic City Radar x Da Dispensary x Grip Magazine x GumpTown Magazine x SwurvRadio and BeatsBangBlog. Andre is a contributing blogger for The Birmingham Times and The Stardome Comedy Club. He also serves as the official publicist for rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on Superstation 101.1 FM on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST as part of The Joe Lockett Show on-air team.

#AndreTheBlogger

The photos in this gallery were taken in the 10th Annual Toast 2 Urban Executives Awards presented by the Lynn Jeter & Associates PR Firm in Los Angeles. In recognition of Black Music Month, the event organizers celebrated the contributions of four incredible music executives: Tunji Balogun x Lynn Scott x Jeriel Johnson and Brander Ringo. Special Guest appearances by All Eyez On Me Chris Clarke x Heart of Job

Full commentary posted on the Swurv Radio and Grip Magazine website.

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is a featured writer for Black Moguls Magazine x Magic City Radar x Da Dispensary x Grip Magazine x GumpTown Magazine x SwurvRadio and BeatsBangBlog. Andre is a contributing blogger for The Birmingham Times and The Stardome Comedy Club. He also serves as the official publicist for rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on Superstation 101.1 FM on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST as part of The Joe Lockett Show on-air team.

#AndreTheBlogger

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

For Immediate Press Release

Birmingham’s High Note Night Club closes with killer performance by Stacked Like Pancakes

The High Note is a long time fixture in the Birmingham underground music scene. The club has hosted every genre of music from rap battles, indie concerts, pageants for the LGBTQ community, Hip Hop, Rock-n-Roll and jazz.

Last night the night club hosted its final concert before closing its doors forever. True to the High Note brand, they invited Baltimore based band, Stacked Like Pancakes. Stacked Like Pancakes is currently playing clubs in the southeast before they hit the road as part of the Vans “Warped Tour” in July. In their first tour stop in the Magic City, Birmingham’s favorite entertainment blogger was on hand to catch history in the making.

The 7 piece ensemble brought a mixture of funk, rock-n-roll and a lil bit of pop. It’s truly good old-fashion party music. The band consists of Kellen McKay (lead vocals) x Zach Foote (bass-trombone) x Michael Busch (lead guitar) x Andy Dawson (trombone) x Kevin Goren (drums) and Will Lopez (bass guitar).

Performing their classic hits “Sharks in the Sky” and “Shit- Fuck- Dammit - Dammit,” the group gave a highly engaging concert. The entire night, I kept waiting for chart-topping singers Andre 3000 x Janelle Monae or even Adam Levine to make a surprise cameo appearance to close out the killer night.

The band’s fanbase is steadily growing as concert dates are increasing. For more information about Stacked Like Pancakes, please visit their website stackedlikepancakes.com/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is a featured writer for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times and SwurvRadio. Also is a contributing blogger for The Stardome Comedy Club and serves as the official publicist for rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on Superstation 101.1 FM on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST as part of The Joe Lockett Show on-air team.

#AndreTheBlogger

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

Former NFL Star Stevie Baggs Jr. held his annual Celebrity Bowling competition at Midtown Bowl 1936 Piedmont Cir NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 this week. Joining him for the event were former NFL Linebacker Takeo Spikes, Models Travis Cure and Mike Merrill, Bad Girls Club reality star Jonica Booth, Beauty Experts Dedra Allen and Christopher Macken, Music Executive Shanti Das, NFL wide-receiver Mike Sims, Actress Christina Granville, Basketball Wives reality star Bambi. Raindrop Lopes also made a surprise appears

Proceeds and gifts from the event benefited kids associated with the CETA Foundation. The CETA Foundation is an Atlanta based organization designed to provide individuals with resources to propel overall health and wellness through innovative programs and services that focus on the whole person and improve the quality of life. Big ups to the CETA Foundation for helping to make Christmas a better one for local kids in the Atlanta metro area. For more information about the CETA Foundation, please visit www.cetafoundation.org/

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times and SwurvRadio. Andre J. Thomas is the official publicist for Birmingham rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on The Joe Lockett Show 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST. You can read more stories by Birmingham’s Favorite Entertainment Blogger at andrejthomas.com.

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

1st Annual Spring Break Explosion Music Festival (Biloxi)

Photos from this gallery were taken at Biloxi’s Spring Break Music Explosion produced by Splash Life Booking. The concert was held at MGM Park and was slated to feature headliners Uzi Vert and Kodak Black. Neither performed at the event. Replacing them were Bianca Clark, BPace, DJ T-Swann, Bella the DJ, DJ Jukebox, Christian Radke, Collin Cooper, Lotto Band$

NBA Gang, Cam Dolla ft King Senior, Suryah, FRN Dee.

About Splash Life Booking:

Splash Life Booking is a diversified concert booking company, specializing in celebrity events, tour management, and event logistics. Splash Life Booking’s focus on improving the quality of entertainment throughout the Gulf Coast region, has helped it become a trusted name in the entertainment industry. For more information, visit: www.splashlifebooking.com/.

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is a featured writer for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times and SwurvRadio. Also is a contributing blogger for The Stardome Comedy Club and serves as the official publicist for rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on Superstation 101.1 FM on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST as part of The Joe Lockett Show on-air team.

#AndreTheBlogger

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

For Immediate Press Release

RiverKings Tour featuring Alfred Banks x Marco Pave (Photos)

The RiverKings Tour stopped in the Magic City recently to bless fans with the infamous music of Alfred Banks x Marco Pave x Q Dot Davis and many of their friends.The seven city tour seems to bring a unique sound for every stop. In Birmingham, audiences were exposed to Christian Rap, Spoken Word, Controversial Hip Hop and more. The tour stop address a number of social issues ranging from mental illness and Domestic Violence. Music fans of every genre found a space to enjoy during the show. Next stop on the tour is Memphis. The Memphis show is slated to bring the two rising music icons together with a full symphony orchestra to perform some of their cult classics. Sauce is all I can say to that.

Full Artist Lineup included:

Alfred Banks - Headliner

Marco Pave - Headliner

Q Dot Davis - Co-Headliner x Concert Promoter

Rapture The Rapture

King Katwell

Kenny Gee

Dee Villian

DJ Quake

Noor

The show was hosted by actress/model Tracia J.

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is a featured writer for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times and SwurvRadio. Also is a contributing blogger for The Stardome Comedy Club and serves as the official publicist for rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on Superstation 101.1 FM on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST as part of The Joe Lockett Show on-air team.

#AndreTheBlogger

The photos in this gallery were taken at Micheal Vick’s V7 Sportsline “popup” shop held in Atlanta, Georgia. The free event captured a diverse audience to the eclectic “The Spot” boutique. Former NFL Star Anthony Smith from the Pittsburg Steelers and Billboard chart-topping artist, Bone Crusher.

Fans were treated with autographs and photo opportunities at the event. The pop-up shop was the kickoff event for Michael Vick’s traveling sports camp.

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is a featured writer for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, SwurvRadio, and BeatsBangBlog. Andre is a contributing blogger for The Birmingham Times and The Stardome Comedy Club.

Andre serves as the official publicist for rapper Q Dot Davis and the official blogger for both Birmingham AFT and the AFT Strategies for Students Success division. You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on Superstation 101.1 FM on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST as part of The Joe Lockett Show on-air team.

I guess it’s never too late to celebrate our 5A State Championship Winning Team. The format of the 2017 Parade celebrated a number of victories for the school in the areas athletics, fine arts, and Hospitality & Tourism.

The parade welcomed two Grand Marshals, the Honorable Mayor William Bell and Interim Jefferson County District Attorney, Danny Carr.

Celebrity notables spotted in the crowd were Interim Superintendent Dr. Larry Contri, Merika Coleman, Deputy Treasure Sherry McClain, Councilors Jay Roberson and Sheila Tyson.

During his victory speech, Wenonah Lady Dragons head coach Emanuel Bell shared that he’s a 100% ally for equality in women in sports. Bell then recognized the WJ Christian Lady Chargers for their recent championship win.

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is a featured writer for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times and SwurvRadio. Andre is also a contributing blogger for The Stardome Comedy Club and serves as the official publicist for rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on Superstation 101.1 FM on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST as part of The Joe Lockett Show on-air team.

#AndreTheBlogger

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

OJ Howard sponsors back pack giveaway at his high school alma mater.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie tight-end, OJ Howard sponsored a book pack giveaway to for three hundred K-12 students in his hometown. The widely anticipated event the Alabama NFL star a chance to give back to the community that helped supported him from the beginning. Howard remains humble and embraced his fans throughout the day and granting photo-ops. Howard was surrounded by his family for the event.

At press-time, Howard shared hat he hopes to be able to continue the backpack giveaway annually via his O.J. Howard Got Da Juice Foundation. The 2017 NFL first-round Draft Pick further commented,

“No Child Should Attend School without their supplies. I want to start their school year off right!” ~OJ Howard

Howard, a product of small Autauga Academy, a small private Christian Academy. Viewing the small field Howard played on as a kid, I couldn't help but to reflect on the fact that Howard’s success proves that it doesn’t matter where we begin the journey, but where we finish. Howard definitely is an inspiration to other aspiring athletes in his area. Howard has much to live up to and I believe that as long as he remains with his close knit family, he will forever be grounded and remain a hero to millions.

Best Wishes to OJ Howard as he represents Alabama with pride.

#Bloggerlife #Media #AlabamaBlogger

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is a featured writer for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, Grip Magazine, Magic City Radar, SwurvRadio, and BeatsBangBlog. Andre is a contributing blogger for The Birmingham Times and The Stardome Comedy Club.

Andre serves as the official publicist for rapper Q Dot Davis and the official blogger for both Birmingham AFT and the AFT Strategies for Students Success division. You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on Superstation 101.1 FM on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST as part of The Joe Lockett Show on-air team.

I guess it’s never too late to celebrate our 5A State Championship Winning Team. The format of the 2017 Parade celebrated a number of victories for the school in the areas athletics, fine arts, and Hospitality & Tourism.

The parade welcomed two Grand Marshals, the Honorable Mayor William Bell and Interim Jefferson County District Attorney, Danny Carr.

Celebrity notables spotted in the crowd were Interim Superintendent Dr. Larry Contri, Merika Coleman, Deputy Treasure Sherry McClain, Councilors Jay Roberson and Sheila Tyson.

During his victory speech, Wenonah Lady Dragons head coach Emanuel Bell shared that he’s a 100% ally for equality in women in sports. Bell then recognized the WJ Christian Lady Chargers for their recent championship win.

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is a featured writer for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times and SwurvRadio. Andre is also a contributing blogger for The Stardome Comedy Club and serves as the official publicist for rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on Superstation 101.1 FM on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST as part of The Joe Lockett Show on-air team.

#AndreTheBlogger

Former NFL Star Stevie Baggs Jr. held his annual Celebrity Bowling competition at Midtown Bowl 1936 Piedmont Cir NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 this week. Joining him for the event were former NFL Linebacker Takeo Spikes, Models Travis Cure and Mike Merrill, Bad Girls Club reality star Jonica Booth, Beauty Experts Dedra Allen and Christopher Macken, Music Executive Shanti Das, NFL wide-receiver Mike Sims, Actress Christina Granville, Basketball Wives reality star Bambi. Raindrop Lopes also made a surprise appears

Proceeds and gifts from the event benefited kids associated with the CETA Foundation. The CETA Foundation is an Atlanta based organization designed to provide individuals with resources to propel overall health and wellness through innovative programs and services that focus on the whole person and improve the quality of life. Big ups to the CETA Foundation for helping to make Christmas a better one for local kids in the Atlanta metro area. For more information about the CETA Foundation, please visit www.cetafoundation.org/

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times and SwurvRadio. Andre J. Thomas is the official publicist for Birmingham rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on The Joe Lockett Show 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST. You can read more stories by Birmingham’s Favorite Entertainment Blogger at andrejthomas.com.

Thank You to rapper Dae Dae for helping me to congratulate the Wenonah High School 2017 graduating class. I got a chance to briefly tell him about you. I am honored to have watched many of you grow into such amazing young men and women. Please go out into the world and make us proud. Follow your dreams with you vigor and remember #AndreTheBlogger loves each and every one you.

Special Thanks to Entertainment Manager @sheridianHardwick for connecting Dae Dae and I together at the 95.7 Jamz Car & Bike Show.

Feel free to share this video with those who are part of this class.

Videography Credits

Atlanta based rapper and social media heartthrob Rod da God headlined the 95.7 Jamz Car & Bike Show. Young teenage females screamed for the west ATLien as he performed a number of his smash hit singles. After his performance, Rod da God granted photo ops with fans throughout the day and supported a number of his colleagues such as Dae Dae x Kent Jones and Jacques. Rapper Twista showed the young new artists some love and shared words of wisdom about the industry.

For booking inquiries for Rod Da God, please contact Sheridan AKA Hotel at 404.454.8443 or via email at lbmg2008@gmail.com.

Photo Credits - #AndreTheBlogger

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is a featured writer for Black Moguls Magazine, Magic City Radar, GumpTown Magazine, SwurvRadio, and BeatsBangBlog. Andre is a contributing blogger for The Birmingham Times and The Stardome Comedy Club.

Andre serves as the official publicist for rapper Q Dot Davis and the official blogger for both Birmingham AFT and the AFT Strategies for Students Success division. You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on Superstation 101.1 FM on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST as part of The Joe Lockett Show on-air team.

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

I guess it’s never too late to celebrate our 5A State Championship Winning Team. The format of the 2017 Parade celebrated a number of victories for the school in the areas athletics, fine arts, and Hospitality & Tourism.

The parade welcomed two Grand Marshals, the Honorable Mayor William Bell and Interim Jefferson County District Attorney, Danny Carr.

Celebrity notables spotted in the crowd were Interim Superintendent Dr. Larry Contri, Merika Coleman, Deputy Treasure Sherry McClain, Councilors Jay Roberson and Sheila Tyson.

During his victory speech, Wenonah Lady Dragons head coach Emanuel Bell shared that he’s a 100% ally for equality in women in sports. Bell then recognized the WJ Christian Lady Chargers for their recent championship win.

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is a featured writer for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times and SwurvRadio. Andre is also a contributing blogger for The Stardome Comedy Club and serves as the official publicist for rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on Superstation 101.1 FM on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST as part of The Joe Lockett Show on-air team.

#AndreTheBlogger

Thank You to rapper Dae Dae for helping me to congratulate the Wenonah High School 2017 graduating class. I got a chance to briefly tell him about you. I am honored to have watched many of you grow into such amazing young men and women. Please go out into the world and make us proud. Follow your dreams with you vigor and remember #AndreTheBlogger loves each and every one you.

Special Thanks to Entertainment Manager @sheridianHardwick for connecting Dae Dae and I together at the 95.7 Jamz Car & Bike Show.

Feel free to share this video with those who are part of this class.

Videography Credits

Atlanta based rapper and social media heartthrob Rod da God headlined the 95.7 Jamz Car & Bike Show. Young teenage females screamed for the west ATLien as he performed a number of his smash hit singles. After his performance, Rod da God granted photo ops with fans throughout the day and supported a number of his colleagues such as Dae Dae x Kent Jones and Jacques. Rapper Twista showed the young new artists some love and shared words of wisdom about the industry.

For booking inquiries for Rod Da God, please contact Sheridan AKA Hotel at 404.454.8443 or via email at lbmg2008@gmail.com.

Photo Credits - #AndreTheBlogger

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is a featured writer for Black Moguls Magazine, Magic City Radar, GumpTown Magazine, SwurvRadio, and BeatsBangBlog. Andre is a contributing blogger for The Birmingham Times and The Stardome Comedy Club.

Andre serves as the official publicist for rapper Q Dot Davis and the official blogger for both Birmingham AFT and the AFT Strategies for Students Success division. You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on Superstation 101.1 FM on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST as part of The Joe Lockett Show on-air team.

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

Former NFL Star Stevie Baggs Jr. held his annual Celebrity Bowling competition at Midtown Bowl 1936 Piedmont Cir NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 this week. Joining him for the event were former NFL Linebacker Takeo Spikes, Models Travis Cure and Mike Merrill, Bad Girls Club reality star Jonica Booth, Beauty Experts Dedra Allen and Christopher Macken, Music Executive Shanti Das, NFL wide-receiver Mike Sims, Actress Christina Granville, Basketball Wives reality star Bambi. Raindrop Lopes also made a surprise appears

Proceeds and gifts from the event benefited kids associated with the CETA Foundation. The CETA Foundation is an Atlanta based organization designed to provide individuals with resources to propel overall health and wellness through innovative programs and services that focus on the whole person and improve the quality of life. Big ups to the CETA Foundation for helping to make Christmas a better one for local kids in the Atlanta metro area. For more information about the CETA Foundation, please visit www.cetafoundation.org/

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times and SwurvRadio. Andre J. Thomas is the official publicist for Birmingham rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on The Joe Lockett Show 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST. You can read more stories by Birmingham’s Favorite Entertainment Blogger at andrejthomas.com.

For Immediate Press Release

Birmingham’s High Note Night Club closes with killer performance by Stacked Like Pancakes

The High Note is a long time fixture in the Birmingham underground music scene. The club has hosted every genre of music from rap battles, indie concerts, pageants for the LGBTQ community, Hip Hop, Rock-n-Roll and jazz.

Last night the night club hosted its final concert before closing its doors forever. True to the High Note brand, they invited Baltimore based band, Stacked Like Pancakes. Stacked Like Pancakes is currently playing clubs in the southeast before they hit the road as part of the Vans “Warped Tour” in July. In their first tour stop in the Magic City, Birmingham’s favorite entertainment blogger was on hand to catch history in the making.

The 7 piece ensemble brought a mixture of funk, rock-n-roll and a lil bit of pop. It’s truly good old-fashion party music. The band consists of Kellen McKay (lead vocals) x Zach Foote (bass-trombone) x Michael Busch (lead guitar) x Andy Dawson (trombone) x Kevin Goren (drums) and Will Lopez (bass guitar).

Performing their classic hits “Sharks in the Sky” and “Shit- Fuck- Dammit - Dammit,” the group gave a highly engaging concert. The entire night, I kept waiting for chart-topping singers Andre 3000 x Janelle Monae or even Adam Levine to make a surprise cameo appearance to close out the killer night.

The band’s fanbase is steadily growing as concert dates are increasing. For more information about Stacked Like Pancakes, please visit their website stackedlikepancakes.com/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is a featured writer for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times and SwurvRadio. Also is a contributing blogger for The Stardome Comedy Club and serves as the official publicist for rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on Superstation 101.1 FM on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST as part of The Joe Lockett Show on-air team.

#AndreTheBlogger

Former NFL Star Stevie Baggs Jr. held his annual Celebrity Bowling competition at Midtown Bowl 1936 Piedmont Cir NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 this week. Joining him for the event were former NFL Linebacker Takeo Spikes, Models Travis Cure and Mike Merrill, Bad Girls Club reality star Jonica Booth, Beauty Experts Dedra Allen and Christopher Macken, Music Executive Shanti Das, NFL wide-receiver Mike Sims, Actress Christina Granville, Basketball Wives reality star Bambi. Raindrop Lopes also made a surprise appears

Proceeds and gifts from the event benefited kids associated with the CETA Foundation. The CETA Foundation is an Atlanta based organization designed to provide individuals with resources to propel overall health and wellness through innovative programs and services that focus on the whole person and improve the quality of life. Big ups to the CETA Foundation for helping to make Christmas a better one for local kids in the Atlanta metro area. For more information about the CETA Foundation, please visit www.cetafoundation.org/

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times and SwurvRadio. Andre J. Thomas is the official publicist for Birmingham rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on The Joe Lockett Show 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST. You can read more stories by Birmingham’s Favorite Entertainment Blogger at andrejthomas.com.

For Immediate Press Release

Rappers Trina Rockstar x Jabo at 3208 Entertainment Complex

Partygoers paid a hefty price last night to see the chart-topping rapper Trina perform live.

Trina gave fans a performance that left fellas smiling from ear to ear and ladies saying, “Bae came to slay.”

Birmingham’s Music Industry Influencer Javan Ishman BKA Jabo hosted the heavily promoted rockstar party.

Full story on Swurv Radio Website

www.swurvradio.com/fans-came-see-trina-slayyd/

About #EBProductions.

EB Production is a music and promotional company that connects artists with fans and celebrities with brands. Past artists that have been booked through EB Productions include Kevin Gates, Shy Glizzy, K-Michelle, Translee, Rasheeda and more.

Clubs and promoters interested in booking a celebrity for their event, please contact Deon Batain at 404.845.6889

About #AndreTheBlogger

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

Former NFL Star Stevie Baggs Jr. held his annual Celebrity Bowling competition at Midtown Bowl 1936 Piedmont Cir NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 this week. Joining him for the event were former NFL Linebacker Takeo Spikes, Models Travis Cure and Mike Merrill, Bad Girls Club reality star Jonica Booth, Beauty Experts Dedra Allen and Christopher Macken, Music Executive Shanti Das, NFL wide-receiver Mike Sims, Actress Christina Granville, Basketball Wives reality star Bambi. Raindrop Lopes also made a surprise appears

Proceeds and gifts from the event benefited kids associated with the CETA Foundation. The CETA Foundation is an Atlanta based organization designed to provide individuals with resources to propel overall health and wellness through innovative programs and services that focus on the whole person and improve the quality of life. Big ups to the CETA Foundation for helping to make Christmas a better one for local kids in the Atlanta metro area. For more information about the CETA Foundation, please visit www.cetafoundation.org/

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times and SwurvRadio. Andre J. Thomas is the official publicist for Birmingham rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on The Joe Lockett Show 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST. You can read more stories by Birmingham’s Favorite Entertainment Blogger at andrejthomas.com.

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

April 9th, 2017

The photos in this gallery were taken at the YFN vs BMG Celebrity Basketball game held in Atlanta’s Pittman Gym. The event featured appearances by Lil Durk, Young Scooter, YFN Lucci, NBA star Shannon Brown and wife Monica Brown.

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is a featured writer for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times and SwurvRadio. Also is a contributing blogger for The Stardome Comedy Club and serves as the official publicist for rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on Superstation 101.1 FM on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST as part of The Joe Lockett Show on-air team.

#AndreTheBlogger

The photos in this gallery were taken in the 10th Annual Toast 2 Urban Executives Awards presented by the Lynn Jeter & Associates PR Firm in Los Angeles. In recognition of Black Music Month, the event organizers celebrated the contributions of four incredible music executives: Tunji Balogun x Lynn Scott x Jeriel Johnson and Brander Ringo. Special Guest appearances by All Eyez On Me Chris Clarke x Heart of Job

Full commentary posted on the Swurv Radio and Grip Magazine website.

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is a featured writer for Black Moguls Magazine x Magic City Radar x Da Dispensary x Grip Magazine x GumpTown Magazine x SwurvRadio and BeatsBangBlog. Andre is a contributing blogger for The Birmingham Times and The Stardome Comedy Club. He also serves as the official publicist for rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on Superstation 101.1 FM on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST as part of The Joe Lockett Show on-air team.

#AndreTheBlogger

A Night Of Kru Love (The Sequel)

The photos in this gallery were taken at the 2nd Annual Night of Kru Love concert held at Newby’s in Tennessee. The event featured performances by She’Chinah x Lauren Moscato. The night was headlined by Memphis native and rapper Krucial.

#Bloggerlife #Media #AlabamaBlogger

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is a featured writer for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, Grip Magazine, Magic City Radar, SwurvRadio, and BeatsBangBlog. Andre is a contributing blogger for The Birmingham Times and The Stardome Comedy Club.

Andre serves as the official publicist for rapper Q Dot Davis and the official blogger for both Birmingham AFT and the AFT Strategies for Students Success division. You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on Superstation 101.1 FM on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST as part of The Joe Lockett Show on-air team.

Former NFL Star Stevie Baggs Jr. held his annual Celebrity Bowling competition at Midtown Bowl 1936 Piedmont Cir NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 this week. Joining him for the event were former NFL Linebacker Takeo Spikes, Models Travis Cure and Mike Merrill, Bad Girls Club reality star Jonica Booth, Beauty Experts Dedra Allen and Christopher Macken, Music Executive Shanti Das, NFL wide-receiver Mike Sims, Actress Christina Granville, Basketball Wives reality star Bambi. Raindrop Lopes also made a surprise appears

Proceeds and gifts from the event benefited kids associated with the CETA Foundation. The CETA Foundation is an Atlanta based organization designed to provide individuals with resources to propel overall health and wellness through innovative programs and services that focus on the whole person and improve the quality of life. Big ups to the CETA Foundation for helping to make Christmas a better one for local kids in the Atlanta metro area. For more information about the CETA Foundation, please visit www.cetafoundation.org/

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times and SwurvRadio. Andre J. Thomas is the official publicist for Birmingham rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on The Joe Lockett Show 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST. You can read more stories by Birmingham’s Favorite Entertainment Blogger at andrejthomas.com.

Former NFL Star Stevie Baggs Jr. held his annual Celebrity Bowling competition at Midtown Bowl 1936 Piedmont Cir NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 this week. Joining him for the event were former NFL Linebacker Takeo Spikes, Models Travis Cure and Mike Merrill, Bad Girls Club reality star Jonica Booth, Beauty Experts Dedra Allen and Christopher Macken, Music Executive Shanti Das, NFL wide-receiver Mike Sims, Actress Christina Granville, Basketball Wives reality star Bambi. Raindrop Lopes also made a surprise appears

Proceeds and gifts from the event benefited kids associated with the CETA Foundation. The CETA Foundation is an Atlanta based organization designed to provide individuals with resources to propel overall health and wellness through innovative programs and services that focus on the whole person and improve the quality of life. Big ups to the CETA Foundation for helping to make Christmas a better one for local kids in the Atlanta metro area. For more information about the CETA Foundation, please visit www.cetafoundation.org/

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times and SwurvRadio. Andre J. Thomas is the official publicist for Birmingham rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on The Joe Lockett Show 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST. You can read more stories by Birmingham’s Favorite Entertainment Blogger at andrejthomas.com.

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

February 26th, 2017

For Immediate Press Release

Chart-topping group, the SOS Band closes out UNCF Birmingham Mayor’s Masked Ball in Birmingham (Exclusive Pictures Inside)

Mayor William Bell and the City of Birmingham hosted the widely anticipated UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center - East Ballroom. Catering to an extremely large audience, the posh masked gala gave attendees a chance to hear from host committee members, honorees, and UNCF scholarship recipients. All shared the importance of having UNCF available to help underprivileged kids have a chance to go to college.

Closing out the festivities were chart-topping group, The SOS Band. The SOS Band had the audience grooving on the dance floor to their hit Take Your Time (Do it Right). Young Millennials were “pop locking” and baby boomers were strutting their stuff on the UNCF Dance Floor.

Event Highlights:

UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax Ph.D shared tonight that he will be joining a number of HBCU Presidents at the White House in a few days to talk to the current administration about how they want to see tax dollars used to help minority and low-income students go to college.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell gave words to the audience on the importance of having UNCF. Mayor Bell also praised Talladega College President Dr. Billy Hawkins for making the decision to allow the marching band to participate in the recent Inauguration Ceremony with President Donald Trump. The decision sparked national controversy, but ultimately helped to raise more than $675,000 for the band program via of their Go Fund Me Campaign.

2016 UNCF Gates Millennium Scholar Mya Quinn shared her testimony of how the UNCF Scholarship is helping her to pursue her dreams of earning her doctorate in Biology from Samford University while 2017 UNCF Scholarship Recipient Danny Morales also shared his testimony of how UNCF is helping him to finish his college education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

The 2017 Masked Ball Honorees were Dr. Peter Millett (Former President of Stillman College) x Drs. Robert Agee Jr and Jarralynne Agee x ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company).

The Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by award-winning media maven and The DL Hughley Show Co-Host, Jasmine Sanders @iamjasminesanders. Sanders facilitated the evening with style and class.

Live Music was provided by Miles College Jazz Ensemble

For more information about UNCF, including donating to the organization, please visit www.uncf.org/

About Andre J. Thomas

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times, SwurvRadio and the Stardome Comedy Club.

#AndreTheBlogger is a radio personality with The Joe Lockett Show which airs commercially on Superstation 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm CST.

#AndreTheBlogger

Former NFL Star Stevie Baggs Jr. held his annual Celebrity Bowling competition at Midtown Bowl 1936 Piedmont Cir NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 this week. Joining him for the event were former NFL Linebacker Takeo Spikes, Models Travis Cure and Mike Merrill, Bad Girls Club reality star Jonica Booth, Beauty Experts Dedra Allen and Christopher Macken, Music Executive Shanti Das, NFL wide-receiver Mike Sims, Actress Christina Granville, Basketball Wives reality star Bambi. Raindrop Lopes also made a surprise appears

Proceeds and gifts from the event benefited kids associated with the CETA Foundation. The CETA Foundation is an Atlanta based organization designed to provide individuals with resources to propel overall health and wellness through innovative programs and services that focus on the whole person and improve the quality of life. Big ups to the CETA Foundation for helping to make Christmas a better one for local kids in the Atlanta metro area. For more information about the CETA Foundation, please visit www.cetafoundation.org/

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning producer for the hit show, College Talk. Andre is also a contributing blogger for Black Moguls Magazine, GumpTown Magazine, BeatsBangBlog, The Birmingham Times and SwurvRadio. Andre J. Thomas is the official publicist for Birmingham rapper Q Dot Davis.

You can listen to #AndreTheBlogger on The Joe Lockett Show 101.1 FM & 1260 AM WYDE (Alabama) on Saturdays from 4pm – 7pm CST. You can read more stories by Birmingham’s Favorite Entertainment Blogger at andrejthomas.com.