The Chocolate Voice Magazine and Tucson Black Pages kick off the holiday season with the First Annual Kwanzza Gift Show and Black Business Showcase.

The event held at the historic Dunbar School in Tucson was the first sponsored by the alliance of the CV and TBP. The alliance was formed earlier this year to help in the promotion and development of businesses owned by African Americans in the Southern Arizona region.

The CV was formed by Gwen Pierce, a former resident of Tucson with many family and business ties still active while currently living in Southern California. The magazine will be celebrating two years in publication in December.

The Tucson Black Pages, an online business directory was developed by photographer Barney Hilton Murray after moving to Tucson over three years ago in an attempt to centralize and connect Black businesses in the area. Murray has a similar directory servicing the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit www.BayAreaBlackPages.com.

The show, the brain child of Murray, was inspired by the outstanding work of some of the people he has met while working on the black pages. “There is such a wealth of diverse and skilled talent here, it would be a shame for it to go unrecognized or not shared with the general public.”

With the theme of the show centered around Kawnzaa, which is an African American celebration of family, community and culture held December 26 through January 1^st, Murray and Pierce both felt that this was an event that was fitting for this time of year.

The show included artist, crafts, literature, music, products, services and even gourmet peach cobbler.

The success of the show was not measured in the number of people that attended, but rather by the awareness that the community now has that they do have a choice in where they shop for products and services.

For more information:

Barney Hilton Murray
www.TucsonBlackPages.com

Gwen Pierce
www.TheChocolateVoice.com

Photos of the show can be viewed online in the vendor directory at:
http://tucsonblackpages.com/misc/kwanzaa.htm

The music at the Sheraton’s Fire and Spice restaurant was smooth as expected on Thursday night.

Prime Example, lead by saxophonist Neamon Lyles provided the sounds to complement the ambiance of the night fall air, the fire pits, food and friends by the pool.

The band played a couple of sets throughout the evening showcasing their talent through a wide range of musical styles, from jazz classics to modern day pop.

The group was joined by guest musician, Kevin Hamilton of Southwest Soul Circuit a music production company here in Tucson. Hamilton substituted for pianist Arthur Migliazza.

Hamilton, an accomplished musician and singer brought a new dimension to the performance with his soulful, almost gospel R&B style. Hamilton sang George Benson’s “This Masquerade” but made it his own, and with the help of the band, took it to another level.

As I am learning that Mike Levy – bassist, and Doug Davis – drummer, are consistent in their musicianship and performance. Their skill level and talent are only magnified by their continuity when playing together.

Prime Example is an excellent group, but it appears that they are having fun making music in the process. The clowning between songs is fun to watch and engages you into the show.

Lyles continues to refine his craft and performance. I look forward to the release of his CD early next year.

Prime Example and guest Butch Diggs

If you need a mid-week fix of live smooth jazz and good food, Fire and Spice at the Sheraton Tucson on East Grant is the place to be.

Starting at 6:30 p.m., live smooth jazz is performed by Prime Example. The four piece band is lead by local saxophonist, Neamen Lyles who just recently performed with Eric Darius, Gregg Karukas and Jay Soto for Arizona Entertainment and Events at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort.

The group performed a variety of jazz styles and popular music from today and some of the old classics.

The band members are Lyles – saxophones, pianist Arthur Migliazza, bassist Mike Levy and drummer Doug Davis.  Migliazza is also the winner of The Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Foundation Blues Challenge.

Lyles is in the process of finishing his first CD project which is being produced by jazz guitarist extraordinaire, Jay Soto. The CD is scheduled to be released the first of the year.

Also joining Prime Example what local jazz sax player Butch Diggs. Diggs did a couple of selections with the band and teamed up with Lyles in a duet of Cannonball Adderley’s famous “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.”

Now that the Tucson night air is getting cool, why not make Thursday special by lounging by the outdoor fire pit and listen to live smooth jazz.

Good people, good food and good music.

For more info:

Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites
Fire + Spice: An Arizona Grill
5151 East Grant Road
Tucson, Arizona 85712
(520) 323-6262
http://www.sheratontucson.com/

For the finest in smooth jazz events, Arizona Entertainment and Events.

Event Photography, Barney Hilton Murray

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Neamen Lyles
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Butch Diggs
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Doug Davis
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Mike Levy
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Arthur Migliazza

Fall Festival kiddie train rides

On Sunday afternoon the Sunshine Training Center held its 23^rd Annual Community Outreach Fall Festival Costume and Piñata Party.

Over 22 years ago, what started out as a backyard costume party for neighborhood kids at the home of Martha and William Wills has grown into a neighborhood block party with several hundred children and adults in attendance.

The festival has gotten large enough to close streets surrounding the small church that now hosts the event.

Sponsored by several sources, all activities, including rides, games and food are all free to all that attend. Several organizations offer support by sending volunteers to help manage the event which started at 3:00 p.m. and lasted till 7:00 p.m.

In addition the all of the fun things for families and kids, the vision grew to include vendors to help make for a better community. These included the fire and police department, health and drug prevention information.

The interaction of the children with the representatives from the police and fire department allowed for a dialogue of mutual respect. I observed the representative from the Army throwing a football with a group of pre-teens and they all appeared to be having a ball. Another opportunity for sharing.

Live entertainment was provided by the Come Thirsty, a Christian music band, and Na Wahine o Ke Aloha, a Christian Hawaiian hula dance group.

There were lots of age appropriate activities for the children and plenty of seating for the adults. Face painting, jumping castles, kiddie train rides, clowns and piñatas kept the children busy and running around.

Sunshine Training Center is proof the size doesn’t matter. A small church doing big things in the community.

Sunshine Training Center
2145 South Sahuara Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 750-0787
Email: sstc2000@aol.com

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Jay Soto, Eric Darius and Gregg Karukas

Arizona Entertainment and Events continued its smooth jazz series at the luxurious JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa on Saturday night with “Night of a Thousand Grooves” featuring recording artist Eric Darius, Gregg Karukas and Jay Soto. The band was completed with Ira King on drums and Mario Mendivil on bass. Also appearing was Tucson’s own, up and coming artist Neamen Lyles on saxophone.

As part of an AZEE production, the VIP lounge offers the opportunity for VIP ticket holders to meet and take group pictures with the artists. There is also a facilitated Q&A session. During the recent session, we found out that Jay Soto was celebrating a birthday which the VIPs were happy to sing Happy Birthday and wish him well. Another fact was that this was the first time Darius, Karukas and Soto have worked together.

The venue had a few vendors with products or services as well as the sponsor tables. Each artist had CDs available that they were happy to sign at the conclusion of the show.

The performance was outstanding in terms of musicianship and energy. With each of the artist playing selections from both current and passed projects, the intensity level remained high throughout the evening.

Darius in his performance could not be confined to the stage. Darius left the stage while playing, not missing a beat, and interacted with the audience. At one point he appeared to be having and conversation with a guest with his horn doing all the talking.

Equally amazing was the performances of Karukas and Soto. Their skill and talent also kept you in awe. The diversity in their music should have satisfied every jazz fan. Granted the music was great, but their stage presence was just as entertaining.

With the strong rhythm section of King and Mendivil, along with Lyles, the drive in the music had people leaving their seats to dance it off.

Next up, Marion Meadows and “Smooth Home for the Holidays.” November 28 at the Western La Paloma Resort and Spa.

Arizona Entertainment and Events – www.AZEntertainmentAndEvents.com

Barney Hilton Murray Photography (Event Photo Album) – http://bhmphotography.com/albums/azee102409.htm

Gregg Karukas – www.karukas.com

Jay Soto – www.jaysoto.com

Eric Darius – www.ericdarius.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Good News Media, LLC Names Barney Hilton Murray as Director of Communications and Technology

October 23, 2009 – Tucson, AZ – Good News Media LLC has named Barney Hilton Murray as the Director of Communications and Technology.

Barney Hilton Murray

The newly formed startup recently acquired Good News Tucson Magazine, the longest running family values publication started over 20 years ago by radio businessman Doug Martin of Good News Communications.

Good News Media, LLC headed by Mark Harris, pastor of The Oasis Church and business owner, has a new direction for the magazine. “Good News Tucson has a great future as the publication that educates and encourages Christians to get involved in making our city a better place to live,” Harris says. “We believe that the Christian community wants to be kept in the loop on important issues facing our city and our desire is to explore those issues in a biblical format.”

Jason Watson, a local businessman, is also part of the GNM team assigned to manage business operations.

Barney Hilton Murray, a local entrepreneur, has businesses that support the faith-based community, freelances as a photojournalist, and works with small businesses and non-profits with digital arts services.

Murray’s responsibilities include editor and art director of the magazine as well as creative leadership in web related projects and visual communications using mixed media.

Good News Tucson Magazine will publish a November/December transition issue and launch the new format in January of 2010.

Contact Information:

Barney Hilton Murray
Good News Media, LLC
5151 East Broadway Boulevard, Suite 1600
Tucson, Arizona 85711
(520) 745-4403 Office
(520) 390-4723 Mobile
E-mail: Barney@GoodNewsTucson.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Good News Tucson Magazine Acquired by Good News Media, LLC

October 20, 2009 – Tucson, AZ – Good News Tucson Magazine, the longest running family values publication produced locally, has been acquired by the newly formed Good News Media, LLC based here in Tucson.

Started over 20 years ago by radio businessman Doug Martin of Good News Communications, the magazine had its roots in the faith-based community as the Good News, a Christian newspaper.  After ten years of publishing, the publication changed ownership and was rebranded as Good News Tucson, offering a more local approach to family values, with a glossy magazine look, resulting in increased readership.

Good News Media, LLC headed by Mark Harris, pastor of The Oasis Church and business owner, has a new direction for the magazine. “Good News Tucson has a great future as the publication that educates and encourages Christians to get involved in making our city a better place to live,” Harris says. “We believe that the Christian community wants to be kept in the loop on important issues facing our city and our desire is to explore those issues in a biblical format.”

Joining Harris is Jason Watson, a local businessman to manage operations and Barney Hilton Murray, a local business owner with the editorial and visual communications responsibilities.

Good News Tucson Magazine will publish a November/December transition issue and launch the new format in January of 2010.

Contact Information:
Barney Hilton Murray
Good News Media, LLC
5151 East Broadway Boulevard, Suite 1600
Tucson, Arizona 85711
(520) 745-4403 Office
(520) 390-4723 Mobile
E-mail: Barney@GoodNewsTucson.com

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The gospel quartet, 4Christ, kicked off the start of the Blues Heritage Festival 2009 held Sunday at the Reid Park band shell.

The event is sponsored by the Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to create “an active and vital blues and heritage scene through education, promotion of live performances, and raising awareness of the music and culture.”

Under the hot morning sun, 4Christ started the day with a high energy set of traditional and classic gospel quartet songs. The harmonies and sounds from the men represented the style and delivery that quartets are famous for. The only this missing was the twang of the Gibson Strat guitar.

The group members are Andris Dixon, Don Nod Nottingham, Maurice Mo Williams and Nathaniel Emanuel. Tenor Elton Acher made a guest appearance and sang the lead to a couple of songs.

All of the members have had experience performing locally and some on the national level.

For the latest in faith-based events in Tucson, go to:
http://tucsonchurchesevents.ning.com/

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The Matsiko Children’s Choir sponsored by the Sunshine Training Center and hosted by the Living Waters Church, performed songs and dance Sunday night.

The Matsiko (which means hope in Swahili) Children’s Choir is made up of 25 orphaned and at-risk children, ages 7 to 14, from remote villages from Uganda, East Africa.

These children sang and danced with both passion and meaning sharing their message and testimonies about how the help of others has changed their lives. “You don’t have to adopt us, we are Africans,” one young girl said. “We want you to help other children like us,” she said.

The choir performed a number of songs in both Swahili and English, ranging from “Joyful Joyful,” a la Sister Act II, to Christian songs of praise and worship. Every song was choreographed from beginning to end with multiple song leaders.

The group also performed traditional drumming and dancing routines to a very appreciative and diverse audience.

The evening was an emotional experience resulting from the high energy of the children’s performances to the reality of the seriousness of their testimonies. As one 12 year old girl shared that both her parents died when she was three, your heart was saddened followed by the joy in seeing the miracle before you.

The smiles of the choir, their cute accents as they spoke and the rousing music seem to ignite the audience into a celebration of praise.

The choir travels throughout the country to raise awareness of the world’s 600 million orphaned and at-risk children around the world. The Matsiko children are living a dream through educational sponsorships from International Children’s Network.

For more info:

International Children’s Network
P.O. Box 7695
Covington, Washington 98042
(253) 217-7531
www.ICNChildren.net
www.MATSIKO.com

Photo Album by Barney Hilton Murray

For the latest in faith-based events in Tucson, go to:
http://tucsonchurchesevents.ning.com/

JJ and David Heller

Christian indie artist JJ and David Heller

Rock n’ Java located at 7555 Twin Peaks Road in Marana, Arizona is a Christian owned and operated coffeehouse that has live entertainment on the weekends. The full service coffee shop offers a complete beverage and pastry menu, all at reasonable prices. Normal business hours are 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. seven days a week.
Upon arriving, there was a crowd of people outside, cups in hand, talking and laughing in the fall evening air. The concert ticket and artist product tables lines the sidewalk and were busy. The line inside at the counter appeared to be five deep.

Nichole Tucker

In walking through the well appointed coffee shop into the concert venue, the décor was that of a small hall with both tables and rows of chairs on the floor, and row of cocktail tables on an elevated area of the room. With a sound booth in the back and theater lighting on the small stage, the room had the ambiance reminiscent of coffeehouses back in the early sixties and seventies.

Nichole Tucker the concert coordinator said, “The grand opening was a last week and we are making the most of our space. We have made it available to be a meeting place for both businesses and community organizations.”

The venue is where the Alive Church has its services. It is know as the Continental Ranch Campus.

The show opened with the pastor of the Alive Ch

Pastor Toby Newnum

Pastor Toby Newnum

hurch, Toby Newnum and his band performing a thirty minute set of praise and worship songs. Newnum sang and played guitar along with a female vocalist, keyboard, lead guitar and drummer to an audience of approximately 100.
JJ Heller is a Christian indie rock artist and an extremely talented singer-songwriter. Her voice was strong, but soft, and songs, relevant and uplifting. She was joined on stage by her husband, David who played acoustic

JJ and David Heller

guitar. The couple, equally skilled and talented, delivered a moving performance that ministered spiritually, but also made you laugh at the interactions that could only come from a husband and wife.
JJ picked up the guitar during her sophomore year in college, the same year she met David. The couple began performing her songs in the San Francisco Bay Area. JJ has been blessed to be a full-time singer/songwriter since the spring of 2003.

To date they have released three CDs and the fourth is due out in November 2009.

December of last year, the singing-songwriting duo was joined by their newest member, Lucy, their baby daughter. David joked that they had a song that was 7/8 done that was completed only after months of parenting. “We didn’t get much res

Lucy and JJ

t and our minds weren’t quite working right,” David said.

Lucy was able to join her parents on stage as they performed the song she inspired them to write. As JJ sang, Lucy appeared to know the words and joined in her own way for most of the song. The song is on their last album “Painted Red,” released in 2008.

The performance concluded in a standing ovation and encore song.

For more info:

Rock n’ Java
7555 Twin Peaks Rd.
Marana, AZ.
Phone: 520-572-5238
Website: http://www.rocknjava.tv/
Cafe: Teri Webb, email: teri@rocknjava.tv
Concert Bookings: Nichole Tucker, email: nichole@rocknjava.tv

Alive Church
Continental Ranch Campus
Services: Saturday 5:00 pm and Sunday 9:30 & 11:00 am
7555 Twin Peaks Road
520) 572-5235
http://alivechurch.com

JJ Heller
(602) 980-1593
Websites: http://jjheller.com
http://www.myspace.com/jjhellermusic
http://www.facebook.com/pages/JJ-Heller/12004599945
Email:email@jjheller.com

Photo Album by Barney Hilton Murray

For the latest in faith-based events in Tucson, go to:
http://tucsonchurchesevents.ning.com/