Shadow Play Entertainment Welcomes Artist/Fashion Designer Gail Ambeau

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

Literary Texas Takeover in Mississippi: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

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

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


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



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

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



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

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

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

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

Mississippi Prepares For A Literary Texas Takeover In Feb. 2010

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


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



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

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

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

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

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

Tray Chaney Shows Heart, Gives Hope In "Dear Haiti"

For over a decade, Tray Chaney has found success in his life as an accomplished actor (known for his character Poot on the HBO series The Wire), author ("The Truth You Can't BeTray") and most recently as a recording artist. He has learned firsthand the importance of believing in yourself and helping others as a way to find happiness, however, it only takes a tragedy like what occurred in Haiti earlier this month to put life in perspective. Feeling helpless, Chaney decided to respond to the disaster and the hopes of the people of Haiti in the only way he knew how. While in the studio, he penned a track simply entitled "Dear Haiti" to showcase the resilience of their country and those who are helping to reshape it.

Not wanting to profit off the situation but offer some type of hope, Tray is making the song available for free download. http://www.twtmuzik.net/songs.php?tms=14550

Those who know him are not surprised by this gesture. In 2009, Chaney joined the organization The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign and became their National Spokesperson, taking the lead in promoting the importance of reading. In 2010, he--- along with Rapper/author Jacki-O---was named an Ambassador for the non-profit organization Community Options, which provides assistance to those with special needs.

It is his hope that those who hear the song "Dear Haiti" will think of ways they can help those around them that are less fortunate and remember to make the most out of every day they are given.

For more information about the projects Tray Chaney is involved in, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

Jacki-O and Tray Chaney Use Their Celebrity To Help Those With Special Needs

Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to announce that recording artist/author Jacki-O and recording artist/author/actor Tray Chaney have been named Ambassadors for Community Options, Inc.

Community Options is a national nonprofit organization that has been developing small, community-based homes and employment supports for people with disabilities for over twenty years. The organization operates in 32 cities across 9 states including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas and New Mexico.

When Jacki-O and Tray heard about the good the organization was doing, they were excited to use their celebrity to bring attention to the cause.


"As a mother myself," says Jacki-O, "I know how precious the lives of all children are. For that reason, it is my belief that any organization that provides assistance for those with disabilities---regardless of their age---is one that we need to support. Community Options is such an organization."



Also a parent, Tray agrees. "At a time when all of us are in need of something, it is easy to forget that there are those who face daily challenges that we take for granted. Organizations like Community Options remind us that those who have must give to those who don't. It is our responsibility as Americans." Chaney is also the National Spokesperson for The Write Stuff, an organization taking the lead in promoting reading across the world.

When talking about the organization, President and CEO Robert Stack says this: "Community Options will create new waves for persons with disabilities in this new decade in the twenty first century. Community Options is a wave maker. In this decade, the public will equate our non-profit as the symbol of freedom and dignity for people with disabilities."

Look for Jacki-O and Tray Chaney to be featured as part of Community Options' national campaign and promotional material. To find out more about the organization, visit http://www.comop.org or their blog at http://www.communityoptions.blogspot.com

To schedule interviews with either Jacki or Tray, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

A Conversation With Author Anthony Littlefield

We all have a past, whether we are aware of it or not. Some make the decision not to pursue knowing about it, but others make it a goal or a pursuit to find out all that they can. Author Anthony Littlefield chose the latter. He chronicles his journey and those with him in the book BITTERSWEET JOURNEY. He talks with Cyrus Webb about the experience, the hard work that goes into marketing and promoting a book and his advice for aspiring writers.


Anthony, thanks for taking out the time to talk with us. Before we get into your book BITTERSWEET JOURNEY, why don't you tell us a little about yourself.
I was born in Los Angeles, California in 1954. My father is from Columbus and my mother is from Jackson, MS. Unfortunately, my parents were divorced when I was five years old. After my parent's divorce, my younger brother Ron and I were sent to live with my father's mother, Juanita in Columbus. I attended Columbus public schools and attended classes at Franklin University. During my formative years I developed a passion for history, especially, black history here in America. I just completed my 37th year with my employer. Thankfully, with the publishing of Bittersweet Journey, I'm at the beginning of a second career.

If I had grown up with you, would your journey to being a published author be a surprised to me?
Yes, by that I mean I never really talked about becoming a writer or even thought that I had a talent for writing, especially since English was one of my more difficult subjects in school.

When did you know that you had a book that you felt like needed to be written?
When we first began our journey of discovery, my intention was to keep a small journal. But after our first initial visit to Black Mountain, it occurred to me that we had a fascinating story about our family and the incredibly beautiful land they called home. I think this was because we knew so little about our family that every discovery of relatives and the events surrounding their lives meant more and more to us.


Tony, your book BITTERSWEET JOURNEY is about your trek to find out more about your family, but it is about a journey to better know you as well. What was the most surprising element that came from the journey for you?
If I had to pick one thing it would be that I learned how much my family's past really has meant to me personally. Learning how some of them adapted to life after slavery and becoming prosperous and leaders of their communities despite incredible odds. That has sustained many times when I ran into 'brick walls' along the way, keeping me going when there were times when it became difficult or I wanted to quit. Whenever those situations arose, I thought of the obstacles my ancestors overcame. And my journey has given me an opportunity to see up close and personal how race relations still matter in how we sometimes see each other.

You really made it a family affair. Do you think it would have meant as much if you didn't have them with you along the way?
I can't even imagine traveling down this road alone. Having various family members with me along the way at different times has brought us closer together as a family with our experiences as we have struggles to put the pieces together of our history. The relationship that I have appreciated the most is my relationship with my father. I hope that readers see a lot of the story through his eyes based on his life's experiences as a black man in a world that has changed for the better over a period of time.

For individuals who believe the past should be left in the past, why would you tell them that maybe they should rethink that ideal?
I think it goes without saying that "to know where you are going you have to know you have been." So much of who and what we are today is a result of our shared past. I can understand why some do not want to remember the mistakes and hurt of the past. But I think we owe it to our ancestors to remember them for what they overcame to make life better for us today. I believe that we can draw strength from the triumphs of the past.

Putting on your marketing hat for a moment, Anthony, did it surprise you as to how much work it took to let others know about your book?
Not really. With thousand of books on the market at any given time, I knew getting my story out would be a monumental challenge-and it has been just that. Working with a small ad budget, and this being a first-time experience for me, identifying and reaching the audience I wish to has been difficult. Thankfully, with the explosion of the internet I have the ability to reach out to readers around the world.

You and I spoke recently, and you told me that some have wondered aloud who outside your family would be interested in your journey. Tell us about that conversation and what happened to you that let you know that others were benefiting.
Several months ago I had the good fortune of being contacted by family members in the South that I was unaware of, but they knew about my book. We began sharing information, and I was later told that another relative had recently published a 'picture book' about another branch of the family tree, with the intentions of distributing her book to family members only. Her reasoning for family only was that she felt that the general public would not be interested in reading or seeing our family history. I took the opposite approach because I knew that millions of people around the world are devoted to preserving cultural and family history. I think that nothing garners attention more than literature about country, home and family, and that is what Bittersweet Journey is about, country, home and family. Whenever I'm contacted by perfect strangers who are either intrigued by the subject matter, or have read the book and found my story a great read and inspirational, I'm simply thrilled.

Anthony, for those who might be aspiring writers out there, and are wanting to make 2010 the year they get something done, what advice would you give them?
My advice to potential writers is that every book begins with the first page. You haven't done anything until you actually write the first words. And when contemplating what to write about, keep in mind, does the story have a hook, and is it worth a book? Look for a writer's group in your city, sharing your thoughts with others pursuing the same goals as you is invaluable.

Thanks again for your time, Anthony. If our readers want to find out more information about you, where can they find you online?The pleasure has been mine. Readers can learn more about me at my website, www.anthonylittlefield.com

Rapper/Author Jacki-O Prepares To Show She's "Relentless"

In 2010, Shadow Play Entertainment is using the slogan "READ to WIN in 2010" to hightlight its commitment to promote literacy in the new year. As part of that mission, it is pleased to announce that its lead publicist Cyrus A. Webb (aka C. A. Webb) will once again be working with the Madam of Miami, Recording artist/Author Jacki-O.


In 2008 Webb coordinated the southern tour for Jacki-O's debut novel GROWN & GANGSTA, published by Platinum-selling recording artist/bestselling author Corey "C-Murder" Miller's company TRU PUBLISHING.
Now the two are back together, promoting the importance of reading and preparing the world for Jacki-O's second book RELENTLESS.

"Those who have followed the career of Jacki-O know that she has alot to say," says Webb, 34.
"RELENTLESS is part one of Jacki telling her own story. No fiction here. This is her truth as she has lived it. Readers will learn about what drew her to pursue music in the first place, her ups and downs in the business as well as the controntations she has had to deal with in order to earn her respect and get where she is."

RELENTLESS will also take you into the true story of her departure from the record company that began her career, what really led to her highly publicized beefs and where she is headed now as an artist and businesswoman.

Webb also says that the Madam of Miami will also be sharing tips for those trying to break into the business, using her own life as a guide.
Look for details to be released soon through Jacki-O's official Myspace http://www.myspace.com/jackiomusic or through Shadow Play Entertainment. To schedule interviews or appearances, contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.