October 17, 2019

Aries 

MAR 21 - APR 19 

You might feel like your partner is not being supportive of you and your goals this week. If that's the case, you might decide that you'd rather focus on your career than your relationship. It's a somewhat childish response, but you might feel triggered into withholding your affection or your "relating capacity" in order to teach your partner a lesson. If you find yourself falling into this trap, you may want to reconsider. You're only cheating yourself. Fortunately, by the end of the week, a genuine partnership may feel battered, but certainly not broken.

 

Taurus 

APR 20 - MAY 20 

With Mercury moving through your partnership sector, there's a beautiful capacity these days for you and your mate to improve communication and to feel as if each other's words and ideas are validated and understood. This week, Mercury makes beautiful links all over the cosmic sky, making you feel as if you can talk to your honey about anything. Venus in your partnership sector adds to the harmony between you, and her friendly link to stabilizing Saturn on Sunday makes you certain that you're with someone who truly gets you: body, mind, and soul.

 

Gemini 

MAY 21 - JUN 20 

If you're single, this might not be the week to start dating anyone new. The Sun in your romance sector will square off to Pluto, the planet of power, manipulation, and control on Monday. It looks like you'll attract someone your way who either has a very unsavory agenda or is intimately acquainted with the darker side of life (possibly even criminal) in some way. Don't rule out talking to anyone you meet, but be sure to take things slow. You may also want to do a background check.

 

Cancer 

JUN 21 - JUL 22 

If you're in a committed partnership, then you and your mate could experience some tension on Monday that is all because of family. A relative might attempt to insert him or herself into your relationship and, if this happens, your partner is likely to blow. Fortunately, things between you and your lover personally are positive. In fact, communication will be strong and the two of you are likely to become even more loyal and bonded to each other. It's an "us against the world" mentality. This week, no one can penetrate what you have.

  

Leo 

JUL 23 - AUG 22 

The division of labor in your relationship might prove to be a sticking point this week for you and your mate. It could even affect your sex life if there isn't enough open and honest communication. Feelings of resentment by one of you might crop up on Monday, however, the good news is that you have all of the ingredients necessary to discuss a real solution to this problem together. If you're both willing to carry a little more weight, then you'll soon realize there's much more fun in what you both really want to do -- in the bedroom!

 

Virgo 

AUG 23 - SEP 22 

If you have recently started to date someone, then you might have a concern early in the week about this person's intentions. He or she might give you the vibe that they are only after you for money or some other material possession or status you might be able to offer. While it may be true, at the same time, you don't want to jump to conclusions. On Monday, you might have an experience that leaves you feeling used but, by the end of the week, you'll be able to uncover your lover's true intent. Trust your gut.

  

Libra 

SEP 23 - OCT 22 

You might feel as if you're only doing your best to get a handle on a difficult family situation but, in doing so, you might rub your partner the wrong way. Insisting that your way is the only right way to resolve an issue without considering your partner's wishes will only result in a standoff. Instead, consider that your mate could be feeling powerless in this situation and would really appreciate you helping to lift him or her up instead of trying to control the outcome of things. Your support directed toward your mate will mean everything.

 

Scorpio 

OCT 23 - NOV 21 

You can expect a harmonious week in matters of the heart. Whether you're completely single or attached, Venus moving through your sign will continue to make you impossible to resist. You're oozing hotness without even trying. As a result, you might notice quite a bit of extra attention from others ... and you'll be able to actually do something about it since it's also likely that someone will strike up a conversation with you and offer you genuine compliments. You'll happily take the bait.

  

Sagittarius 

NOV 22 - DEC 21 

Talking to your mate this week about all of those uncomfortable topics you tend to sweep under the rug will not only be easier, but also help you improve your relationship dramatically. Perhaps you've been holding feelings about a situation inside out of fear that bringing them up will rock the boat of your otherwise good relationship. By choosing to continue ignoring what's bothering you, it's actually creating an environment of subconscious resentment. You'll see that now and realize it's time to address what's bugging you. You'll be glad you did.

 

Capricorn 

DEC 22 - JAN 19 

Social opportunities might lead to romance this week. You may notice plenty of invitations coming your way from friends and acquaintances to attend parties and other events that will draw a crowd. You might even have a longtime friend who introduces you to someone he or she believes would be a good match for you. If you're open to online dating, this will be a perfect time to install your favorite app and start swiping. You might be pleasantly surprised at the quality of people you'll meet, so don't be so quick to judge. One thing is for sure: they will be intense!

  

Aquarius 

JAN 20 - FEB 18 

You might go back and forth between wanting to show massive public displays of affection toward your mate and yearning to keep everything between you two completely private. There really is no right or wrong answer and you might notice that depending on the day -- and your mood -- it will fluctuate. Fortunately, neither choice will have any detrimental effect on your relationship. You've got the ability to fortify your union behind closed doors or in front of an audience. What really matters is the love, and that doesn't need to be seen, because it's felt from the heart.

 

Pisces 

FEB 19 - MAR 20

Love can be a spiritual experience when it's with the right person. This week, you're likely to enjoy that complete soul-level connection with your mate. It's as if the two of you were meant to be together and, yes, perhaps it was written in the stars. You've got positive support to move forward in any legal endeavor with your partner this week as well. This can be anything from signing a pre-nuptial agreement to getting married. If you and your partner are involved in a lawsuit together, there could be news of a favorable outcome now. Great!

October 17, 2019 

By Lapacazo Sandoval 

Contributing Writer 

 

One of the first things that you notice about fashion designer B Michael is his effervescent smile. A picture of a confident artist living his dream. But his journey began with a brief career on Wall Street, but he wisely listened to his heart which leads him to the world of fashion with a dramatic entrance. 

 

B Michael got his start as a millinery designer for the '80s soap opera Dynasty. Soon after, he began designing couture gowns leading him to work with an extensive client list that includes Lena Horne, Whitney Houston, Angela Basset, Cate Blanchett, and Cicely Tyson — to name a few.

 

His spectacular work for living legend Cicely Tyson is included in Vanity Fair Magazine’s October 2019 Best Dress List issue. Highlighting the fact that Miss Tyson is the first actress in the 91-year history of The Academy Awards to wear an African American fashion designer—B Michael—to receive her Oscar.

 

Tyson received an honorary Oscar at the Academy Awards 10th Annual Governors Awards and the word spread about her dazzling dress, a silver and black ensemble, a fitted sheath gown with a bias insert bordered hemline. It was topped with a high collar pattern in 18 pieces and a cascading half train patterned in 52 pieces.

 

It’s important to note that everything designer B Michael puts his hands to is executed with passion and absolute precision. To wit, the textile used is vintage Gustav Zumsteg’s Abraham Silk Brocade (circa 1960s) which he pulled exclusively from his private fabric collection.

 

B Michael’s has been creating haute couture piece created for Ms. Tyson for a long time. Their relationship began in 2005 and considers her a “dear friend.”

 

Here is an edited conversation with the legendary fashion designer B Michael.

 

L.A. Watts Times: Wow, I love your voice, B Michael.

 

B Michael: Thank you, I wasn’t expecting that. I love your name. May I ask you to annunciate it for me?

 

LAWT: Lapacazo (La Pa Ka zo). It’s a Black Indian name. It’s beautiful. You started your design carer designing hats. Correct?

 

BM: Yes that information is correct. The first show that I was designing hats for was the television show Dynasty which ages me.  

 

LAWT: Nonsense. You are ageless. Talk to me about your journey? African Americans that succeed in fashion are (sadly) rare. What are some of the best lessons learned and if possible the best advice that you have received?

 

BM: Wow, that’s a great question and the answer to the questions varies from day today. We continue on the journey so each day I feel like I’m just beginning. With that said, I remember one of the most noted memories was when I presented my very first collection as part of New York’s fashion week. So, that moment was the culmination of being a kid growing up and all those dreams come true even though I didn’t realize what it meant as a total, at that moment, it meant that my dream had come true. I would say that was one of those moments not understanding that I was at a forway into what is an industry and the dynamics of it.

 

LAWT: Any advice that you might want to share? Something that might help another young designer of color?

 

BM: Well, I will say the original advice was given to me by the woman who was my publicist at the time and her name was Eleanor Lambert and Ms. Lambert, herself, was a legacy. She is the founder of the CFDA is also the founder of the International Best Dressed List. And she launched the careers of designers like Oscar de la Renta and Bill Blass and other American designers. So, for her to be my publicist was because she took an interest in my work not because I was in a position to have such a publicist, so I am grateful for that. Her initial lesson to me, however, was to learn how to edit my work and that is a lesson that I still apply today. So that was the fashion lesson but as we grow up in the industry and we continue if I were to answer the question to someone today, I would say your work is important but as important is your business model and that’s the thing that I learned later on.

 

LAWT: Learn your business model. That’s powerful.

 

BM: Yes, initially I had no clue of a business model. I presented that collection and a business model was not even on the desk.

 

LAWT: Thank you for sharing that with us.

 

BM: You are welcome.

 

LAWT: Let’s talk about your relationship with Cicely Tyson and the beautiful dress that she wore at the Oscars which is featured in the 2019 Vanity Fair Best-Dressed List along with Zendaya, Celine Dion, among others.

 

BM: [Cicely Tyson] We’ve had a long-standing relationship and a very special, meaningful relationship as individuals together however,I have been dressing her now for more than a decade and now I love to say this because this is what I feel ‘Givenchy had Audrey Hepburn, and B Michael has Cicely Tyson.’

 

LAWT: I love it!’ Givenchy had Audrey Hepburn, and B Michael has Cicely Tyson.’ I’m running with it! Look at me!

 

BM: (laughing) It’s yours.

 

LAWT: I was in the Tony Awards winners room in 2014 when Ms. Tyson won the Tony. Did you design the dress she wore? I remember the bright color. It was regal. Fuchsia?

 

BM: Close but it’s like a deep, deep purple. 

 

LAWT: That color was giving my life. Regal. I remember thinking that royalty has entered the room. I have seen your work on the carpet and it impacted me. Color is very important.

 

BM: Yes, yes it is.

 

LAWT: You are an artist. I’ve spoken with fine art painters who’ve shared how color often tells them what that color wants to be? How do you get your inspiration?

 

BM: On the subject of color, when I’m considering color, it’s the setting and who’s wearing it and I love now we no longer embrace those notions that certain skin hues that there are colors we can’t wear. We know better than that, now. Color is a way of us expressing ourselves. I believe in color. I like mixing color. A lot of my inspiration comes from visiting living gardens and looking at nature and you can’t do better than that for color.

 

LAWT: True. My GOD is an artist. Amen.

 

BM: Since GOD did the work all I have to do is be inspired.

 

LAWT: I understand you are a happily married man and a father, of two daughters.

 

BM: I am. I have a wonderful husband who also happens to be the CEO and co-founder of our company?

 

LAWT: The couple that works together stays together. Is that what you are saying?

 

BM: (laughing) That’s what I’m saying. 

 

LAWT: And you are a dad!

 

BM: Yes, I am to two, fabulous young ladies who very much a part of our lives even though they are living their lives they are very much a part of their lives. Although they are living their lives they are very much a part of us. They are four years apart and very different. 

 

LAWT: What have you learned about being a parent and being creative?

 

BM: Well, I think that being a parent, what I love about it, it’s a way of finding yourself. It’s the most unofficial, unselfish that a person can be if you're truly parenting. I think that’s my take away from it and watching their lives develop and becoming individuals, each their own, I think that’s amazing.

 

LAWT: What’s next for you? The award-season is just around the corner. 

 

BM: Really what’s next for us as a company we are crossing the lane from just B Michael as a fashion designer and we are B Michael an American luxury brand. Our focus now really is on globalizing the brand as an identity and that’s completely a different lane.

 

LAWT: I’m a novice when writing about fashion but my mind went to Michael Kors and his global brand. Something like this?

 

BM: Exactly, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren they are what we call global brands. They are not just a designer so when I’m long gone or under the sunset somewhere the brand still lives on for generations.

 

LAWT: Amen. This is exciting!

 

BM: Yes, exactly and then we make the way for other designers we inspire them and as important we give them away and a means to move forward.

 

LAWT: How does one start this process? Do you design the accessories first? What comes first?

 

BM: I would say that from a branding perspective accessories become a very important component but the centerpiece is always the work, the collection.

 

LAWT: Thank you. It seems it was just a minute ago the world exploded with Michael Kors sneakers, bags, backpacks.

 

BM: Yes well that’s the result of branding. We liken ourselves to a Valentino or an Oscar de la Renta. Ralph Lauren is the best model but its the idea is that they build a brand and the accessories become aspirational and a way for consumers to have a piece of the brand. That’s really how you do this and that’s what we are working on. That’s what we are accomplishing.

 

LAWT: My mother use to collect vintage hats and vintage gloves. Her collection was impressive. When you are creating your pieces, do you think about your pieces going into a museum collection? You make wearable art. 

 

BM: I love your question. There are some pieces that I create for the collection that we know will be part of a museum someday. We are in fact in conversation but I can’t disclose at the moment but we are archiving some of the work and setting aside some of the pieces I want to be sure has a space to live on. I have a few clients that I do for something for them and they even feel like, wow, this is a piece that I am going to donate someday because you put a lot of work into these pieces.

 

LAWT: Thank you so much for your time. Is there anything that I might have forgotten to ask that you may want to add?

 

BM: No, I enjoyed the conversation. I like your balance of art, a little business. I enjoyed it. I look forward to meeting you in person.

October 10, 2019

By Brian W. Carter 

Contributing Writer 

 

The 94.7 The Wave Stage always brings classic entertainment to Taste of Soul—and excitedly, this year will continue that tradition. The lineup for this year includes legendary groups, the S.O.S. Band, Klymaxx, Evelyn Champagne King, Chosen Recovery, Cultural Soul, Tony Grant, Tay Walker and special performance by Bakewell Media’s StarQuest Best Vocalist Winner!

 

 

One of three musical powerhouses, the 94.7 Wave stage has been a source of smooth R&B and jazz at the festival.

 

 

The Wave has been a proud stage sponsor since 2008 and a sponsor for the Budweiser Beer Garden, curated by the non-profit organization, Mothers in Action. The hosts for the 94.7 The Wave stage are on-air personalities Pat Prescott with special guest host CBS 2’s Pat Harvey.

 

 

 

“94.7 THE WAVE has been an instrumental part of Taste of Soul for the past 12 years.  From the moment they joined our team they have worked tirelessly to insure that their stage and their presence at Taste of Soul is both entertaining and inspiring to everyone in attendance,” said Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., founder/creator of Taste of Soul, chairman of Bakewell Media and board chairman – Mothers in Action & LA Brotherhood Crusade.

 

 

“The WAVE stage is now a destination point at Taste of Soul with people camping out as soon as LAPD opens the streets to the public so that they can secure seats and be ready for a fun-filled day of GREAT music.  Pat Prescott is not only an on-air personality on the WAVE stage, but Prescott is the Mistress of Ceremonies for our community.  She, along with CBS anchor Pat Harvey, devote lots and energy to Taste of Soul not because it is their job, but because of the love they have for this community.”

 

 

 

Here is some info on the entertainment lineup for 2019 Taste of Soul’s 94.7 The Wave Stage: 

 

 

S.O.S. Band

 

The S.O.S. Band AKA Sounds Of Success is an R&B and electro-funk group that gained fame in the 1980s. They are best known for their songs “Take Your Time (Do It Right),” “Just Be Good to Me,” “Tell Me If You Still Care,” and “The Finest.” The Atlanta, GA-borne band started in 1977, when keyboardist/vocalist Jason Bryant, saxophonists Billy Ellis and Willie “Sonny” Killebrew, guitarist Bruno Speight, bassist John Alexander Simpson, drummer, James Earl Jones III, and lead vocalist Mary Davis formed a group called Santa Monica that played at Atlanta nightclub the Regal Room.

 

Klymaxx

 

The all-female band is known for such hits that include “Meeting In The Ladies Room,” “The Men All Pause,” and “Miiss You,” which reached #3 on Billboard Magazine in 1986 and #4 in 1990s with “Good Love.” Under the musical direction of the original guitarist, Cheryl L. Cooley, Klymaxx continues bringing the music to the masses.

 

 

Evelyn “Champagne” King

 

R&B singer, Evelyn “Champagne” King came to fame during the disco era and remained prominent through much of the '80s with over two dozen charting singles. Discovered by producer, T. Life, a teenage King signed with RCA and released her first single “Dancin' Dancin' Dancin',” and then another single called “Shame,” that gave her career-launching success. After two more LPs with T. Life, “Music Box” (1979) and “Call on Me” (1980), King teamed with Kashif, Paul Lawrence, and Morrie Brown for “I'm in Love” (1981) and “Get Loose” (1982). Each album garnered R&B hits, namely "I'm in Love" and "Love Come Down."

 

 

 

 

Chosen Recovery

 

Chosen Recovery sings “gospel recovery songs” in a variety of styles, Rev. Darlene Watley and group members regularly appear at churches and social events around Southern California.  “The music ministry is where we are able to open up the portals of people’s soul to minister to them through songs, many of them that we’ve written and vocally arranged ourselves,” said Watley.

 

Cultural Soul

 

Cultural Soul is an afro-centered reggae band originally formed by International Reggae artist, Wadada Khufu and film and video Guru, Jesse Roots. They have since added elements of Hip Hop, Soul and Afro Beat. Cultural Soul is a roots, Rock Reggae force to contend with that sets them apart from other bands with flawless vocals, sweet harmonies, and great songs. Cultural Soul’s music shares a message of self-love, education, and activism.

 

Tony Grant

 

Tony Grant is an R&B singer and actor known for his time with the group, Az Yet, with whom he performed a remake of "You're The Inspiration." In 2007, he released a solo album entitled “Grant Life.” In the earlier part his career, Grant was cast for the lead role in the stage play "A Good Man is Hard to Find" in 1991. He has had an active career in theatre appearing in plays like “Why Did I Get Married,” “Cheaters,” and “If These Hips Could Talk” just to name a few along with numerous film and television roles.

 

The Wave Stage will also welcome back the sounds of DJ Shell as he keeps the crowd moving throughout the day. Local artist, Tay Walker will also perform for the crowd. The Wave Stage will also welcome one of Bakewell Media’s StarQuest winners, who will get to perform live in front of the audience.

 

“Words cannot express the heartfelt Thank You that I have for Pat Prescott, Pat Harvey all of the CBS radio and television team.  I also have to acknowledge Andrew Escobar, who heads up the production work for the show, his time, determination and commitment to making sure the WAVE stage is all that it can and should be does not go un noticed nor does it go un appreciated.  Again, Thank You to everyone at 94.7 THE WAVE for continuing to be such an intracule part of the Taste of Soul Family,” said Bakewell.

 

For more information on Taste of Soul, please visit tasteofsoul.org

 

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