Saturday Mornings with Joy Keys

To say that that Lira is South Africa’s most successful and high-profile young female solo artist just a handful of albums into her career is no puffery. From her first tentative steps with the 2003 album, “All My Love” to her 2006 record ‘Feel Good’ and 2008’s ‘Soul In Mind’, the girl from Daveyton township on Joburg’s East Rand (who wrote her first song when she was just 16) has pursued a career that has put her on top of her very considerable game.  ‘Feel Good’ album’s title track became an instant – and enduring radio hit – earning a place as one of the most-played songs ever on South African radio. Lira’s follow-up, 2008’s ‘Soul In Mind’, was as potent, earning Lira Album of the Year and Best Female Artist awards at the 2009 South African Music Awards. She was named Best Female Artist in 2010 for the live recording ‘Lira - Live in Concert: A Celebration’. In fact, the success of the latter DVD was proved when it became the fastest selling locally released live DVD in South Africa’s history – reaching double platinum status less than a year after its release. Early 2011 sees the release of Lira’s fourth studio record – ‘Return To Love’. It’s an album that again raises the bar for an artist who never ceases to push forward. And it’s likely to be Lira’s breakthrough record into a global market that is set to be as smitten by this genuinely warm, hugely gifted artist as her homegrown fans are. WEBSITE: http://www.misslira.co.za/

SPECIAL GUEST: Rana Walker, President of Diamond Cutter, LLC, mobile wellness company. She is an experienced mental health therapist and wellness coach. She received her B.S. in Psychology from Howard University and later obtained a M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology from Temple University. Rana comes from a long line of healers and has 15 years experience creating wellness venues for others. She has lectured and facilitated workshops domestically and abroad. Her overseas travel to Europe, the UK, Asia, South America, Africa, the Caribbean and residence in Ghana, West Africa has laid the groundwork for her far reaching world view. She has completed coursework in alternative medicine ranging from nutrition to shamanic healing; coupled with certification as an American Kick Boxing instructor and training in Muay Thai. Rana has credits in television health segments, locally, nationally and internationally, including health coach for Discovery Health Channel’s six program mini series, entitled “Health Cops: Sentenced to Health”, which premiered in 2002. She starred as one of two life coaches on Season 1 of NBC’s groundbreaking, Emmy award winning program, “Starting Over” which aired daily. Rana is dedicated to total personal development – mind, body and spirit. Her coaching system provides holistic life changing guidance combined with challenging clients’ self-imposed limitations with innovative and intense mental, physical and spiritual activities. Most recently after four years of intense spiritual coursework Rana has become a licensed spiritual practitioner to further deepen her awareness.

SPECIAL GUEST: Dr. Sondra M. De Antonio, Neurologist, on behalf of the National MS Society of America. WEBSITE:www.nationalMSsociety.org/pae What is Multiple Sclerosis?: Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by the disease. Tune in to learn more.

Judithe Registre, Outreach & Development Director for Women for Women International, is a passionate international development and gender expert with over 13 years experience, including eight years in the field, working tirelessly to help women overcome the trauma of rape and violence and achieve economic self sufficiency. Mission statement: Women for Women International provides women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency, thereby promoting viable civil societies. We're changing the world one woman at a time. WEBSITE: http://www.womenforwomen.org/

SPECIAL GUEST: Heather Roppolo-Guidone is the Surgical Program Director of the acclaimed Center for Endometriosis Care and a recognized women’s health advocate who has served the clinical and consumer health industries for nearly two decades. SPECIAL GUEST: Dr. La Tanya Hines is a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist currently practicing in Pasadena, California .She is the CEO of Girlfriends Medical Group,Inc. (www.girlfriendsmedical.com), a private practice catering to the needs of women throughout Southern California.

For the past decade, Adam Cruz has been a member of pianist Danilo Perez’s trio, which also features bassist Ben Street. But, in a business known for brief, constantly changing partnerships, he has chosen to develop and maintain long-standing working relationships such as those with pianists Perez and Simon, saxophonists David Sanchez and Steve Wilson, and the Mingus Big Band. And even before that, Cruz had established his name working with artists such as trumpeters Charlie Sepúlveda and Tom Harrell, saxophonists Chris Potter, Pharaoh Sanders, and Paquito D’Rivera, guitarist Charlie Hunter and, perhaps most notably, touring and recording with pianist Chick Corea. Cruz has a new album coming out in April 2011 called MILESTONES. Comprising eight original compositions, and featuring a true all star band including Miguel Zenón, alto sax; Steve Wilson, soprano sax; Chris Potter, tenor sax; Steve Cárdenas, electric guitar; Edward Simon, piano, and Ben Street, bass, Milestone, which was made possible by a grant by the Aaron Copland Recording Fund, marks a before and after in Cruz’s development as an artist. www.adamcruz.net

For the past decade, Adam Cruz has been a member of pianist Danilo Perez’s trio, which also features bassist Ben Street. But, in a business known for brief, constantly changing partnerships, he has chosen to develop and maintain long-standing working relationships such as those with pianists Perez and Simon, saxophonists David Sanchez and Steve Wilson, and the Mingus Big Band. And even before that, Cruz had established his name working with artists such as trumpeters Charlie Sepúlveda and Tom Harrell, saxophonists Chris Potter, Pharaoh Sanders, and Paquito D’Rivera, guitarist Charlie Hunter and, perhaps most notably, touring and recording with pianist Chick Corea. Cruz has a new album coming out in April 2011 called MILESTONES. Comprising eight original compositions, and featuring a true all star band including Miguel Zenón, alto sax; Steve Wilson, soprano sax; Chris Potter, tenor sax; Steve Cárdenas, electric guitar; Edward Simon, piano, and Ben Street, bass, Milestone, which was made possible by a grant by the Aaron Copland Recording Fund, marks a before and after in Cruz’s development as an artist.

Laura Jane is an indie soul artist based out of Los Angeles, California. She released her first indie album in 2005 called TO MY PLANET BOO. The album got international airplay and gained critical reviews. Her singles SUMMERTIME IN THE CITY and THE JOURNEY got the most attention with their catchy melodies, smooth harmonies and funky beats. Laura Jane released two videos with those songs independently as well. Laura Jane is working on a new album called HAVE YOU MET MISS JONES which will be released later this year. Her first single off the album LIFT ME UP is already hitting the airwaves here in the states and in Europe……it’s catchy house club beat , with jazz influenced chords is like a smooth ride on a rollercoaster featuring some of the best musicians in the business. The new single LIFT ME UP will be available on itunes soon….as well as the second single TEST OF TIME, produced by Jameson Trotter. Laura Jane is currently on a world tour with Enrique Iglesias as his main featured vocalist. She has worked as a vocalist with many others superstars such as Dave Matthews Band, the late Teena Marie, Taylor Dayne, Perry Farrell of Janes Addiction, Joe Walsh, Kelly Clarkson, Joss Stone, Michael Bolton an Anastacia, Howard Hewitt, and Jeffrey Osbourne. Laura Jane has a bachelors in fine arts …..she studied at the BOSTON CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC and then received her degree at the UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS in Philadelphia.

Special Guest: Singer Steffen Morrrison: Being the leading voice in Reebok's Global Campaign for their highly successful Easytone sportswear, three music videos, a semi-final contestant with “The Grote prijs van Nederland” (one of Holland's most recognized music talent competitions) and opening act for Raul Midon (Singer-Songwriter from New Mexico). Steffen Morrison singing career has taken a steady soar. He also had airplay and several live sessions on 3FM with Giel Beelen, BNN Radio, Fun-X radio, Radio 6, Lijn5, Radio Rijnmond, BNR Radio & SlamFM.  His husky and raw vocals are his unique asset. They effortlessly bring a penetrating quality to the eclectic 13-track album. A combination of modern pop sound dipped with funk pitched flavor. The record contains SHAKE IT “The Easytone song” as a bonus track. The overall up & mid tempo recordings makes this long awaited debut one to pick of the shelf WEBSITE: http://www.steffenmorrison.com FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/steffen.morrison YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpS150NYHo4. 

In 2005, Washington originated the role of Dr. Preston Burke on the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy. His portrayal earned him two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series, as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award. He has been featured in four acclaimed Spike Lee films: Crooklyn, Clockers, Girl 6, and Girl on the Bus. Other feature credits include Love Jones, Dead Presidents, and Dancing in September - which earned him a nomination for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor. Inspired by Washington's discovery of his direct genetic link to the Mende´ people of Sierra Leone, The Gondobay Manga Foundation advocates cooperative planning to achieve positive, timely improvements in the lives of the people of Sierra Leone.http://www.gondobaymangafoundation.org/#/home/ A Princess Found book is a powerful, intimate revelation of her quest across the world to learn of the chiefdom she could one day call her own. http://www.aprincessfound.com As co-founder of the non-profit Kposowa Foundation Culberson heads up fundraising to support the children of Sierra Leone. The Kposowa Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that was formed in 2005 by co-founders, Sarah Culberson and John Woehrle. Their first goal was to restore Bumpe High School to its prominence as a shining star of academic excellence in West Africa. Kposowa Foundation. http://www.bumpefund.org/Home.html

SPECIAL GUEST: I WILL FOLLOW marks writer/director Ava DuVernay’s narrative feature debut. Previously, she directed music documentaries, including the critically-acclaimed “My Mic Sounds Nice” and “This is the Life.” DuVernay has worked in the world of film as a marketer for more than 14 years, forming her agency DVA Media + Marketing in 1999. Her award-winning firm has provided strategy and execution for more than 80 film and television campaigns for such directors as Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, Michael Mann, Robert Rodriguez, Bill Condon, Raoul Pec

SPECIAL GUEST: Joyce K. House, a native Philadelphian, learned early as a young single mother that “coupons are money and not just paper.” For over 35 years Miss Coupon Diva has perfected the use of coupons, rebates, and free offers for food, clothing, toys, and other household items. Cutting coupons enabled Joyce to provide for her family of three young children on a very tight budget while pursuing her nursing degree. Joyce now routinely saves over 90% on her grocery bill. After viewing a grocery segment on a local TV station, Joyce wrote to the station to offer better recommendations for their viewers. She has since been a regular guest on the “Strive to Survive” consumer segment on NBC 10, The 10! Show, The Today Show, The New York Times and most recently on TLC’s Extreme Couponing.

Ay? (born as Joy Olasunmibo Ogunmakin on 14 September 1980 in Frechen near Cologne, Germany) is a Nigerian-German singer-songwriter. She uses the Yoruba translation Ay? or Ayo. of her first name Joy.  Shortly after giving birth to her son Nile, she recorded her first album Joyful in January 2006 in the New York Sony studio. Her debut album Joyful reached Double-Platinum status in France, Platinum in Germany and Poland, Gold status in Switzerland and Italy and Greece. The album was released in the United States on 20 November 2007 by Interscope Records. On her American tour she performed with Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. In January 2008 she appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, and on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, performing her song Down on My Knees.  On 10 March 2008 Ay? started recording on her second album Gravity At Last . She co-produced the album with Jay Newland. The album reached number 1 on the French album charts in October 2008. The president of UNICEF France, Jacques Hintzy, announced on 4 February 2009 that the singer was named patron of UNICEF to promote the right to education for all children in the world. The French production company MK2 produced 2009 the film Ayo, a 90 minute documentary about the singer and her life. The film was directed by Raphaël Duroy. Ayo's third album named after her daughter Billie-Eve will be released in March 2011. The first single off the new album is called “I’m Gonna Dance”. website: www.ayomusic.com

The New York Public Library (NYPL) announced that Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad, a scholar of African-American history from Indiana University, has been selected as the next Director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, effective July 2011. Dr. Muhammad, a native of Chicago’s South Side, has served as Assistant Professor of History at Indiana University for five years, where he completed a major interpretive book in African-American studies, The Condemnation of Blackness: Race, Crime, and the Making of Modern Urban America, published recently by Harvard University Press. A great-grandson of Elijah Muhammad, he has deep roots in Black history and in Harlem. His father is the noted Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times photographer Ozier Muhammad. As an academic, Dr. Muhammad is at the forefront of scholarship on the enduring link between race and crime, that has shaped and limited opportunities for African Americans. Dr. Muhammad, currently nominated for tenure at Indiana University, is now working on a book-length history of the racial politics surrounding the creation and swift dissolution of Prohibition-era “tough-on-crime” laws, specifically New York’s four-strikes law of 1926. He is also an Associate Editor of The Journal of American History.

SPECIAL GUEST: Dee Christoff, was hired as NEDA’s Development Director in June 2001 when the National Eating Disorders Association was first transitioning to its new name after several organizations merged to create “NEDA.” She has worked hard to create diverse funding streams for the organization and to cultivate partnerships and opportunities that expand eating disorders awareness overall.  “My heart aches when I hear about what families go through when struggling with these illnesses,” she said. “I’m grateful that I come to work each day knowing that what I do helps other people and hopefully creates change that will improve lives.”  Dee’s has a M.A. in Speech Communication and a Certificate in Fundraising and Nonprofit Management. She has spent most of her career in nonprofit organizations working at universities and health-related organizations.  Website: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/