(March 21, 2025) - "When I turned three...my
parents put me in a bilingual school," said Francisco X. Rivera (Los Angeles Kings), who is one of the
most sought-after bilingual baseball, soccer, basketball, hockey and football broadcasting sports announcers in the country.
"It came easy to me, to be honest."
Born
in Mexico, Rivera came to the United States to attend college at Cal State University, Long Beach as an international student.
He obtained a paid internship at Fox Sports in his junior year.
"My first one (announcer job)? I was 24 and I was still in college at Long Beach State
in 2006," Francisco said when I asked. "The Fox Spanish Channel had me audition. I had never been in a studio before.
I was an intern and not familiar with broadcasting. It (first job) was a baseball Dodgers' game - from the studio, but the
game gets rained out. Then I did a St, Louis game. I thought it was great; I was not an announcer but an analysis...but I'd
played baseball all my life, not a pro-though."
"I was a junior...six months into my internship when Fox Sports offered me a job in production," Rivera
continued. "During my last year at school I obtained a second job at... <Read the full March 21, 2025 column here...>
The Pulse of Entertainment: Multi-Billboard Chart-Topping Saxophonist Paul Taylor Releases
‘A Brand New Day' Shanachie Entertainment Debut Album
"It's my 13th record. I'm blessed and
appreciate that I'm still doing this," said multi-Billboard chart-topping saxophonist Paul Taylor when
we talk about his new album "A Brand New Day" (Shanachie Entertainment). "It has lots of variety...different
vibes...cross genres."
Taylor said the
title of his 13th record "A Brand New Day" means having a "positive outlook on life." Paul has hitmaking
producers Barry Eastmond (Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan) and Dino Esposito (Kim Waters, Jeff Lorber) teaming with him on the
project.
"(The title track) It's a special
song to me," Paul added. "It has an inspiring vibe."
The "A Brand New Day" album offers 10 selections, nine are originals and one is a Billie Ellish
cover. This album is Paul Taylor's first on the Shanachie Entertainment imprint - home of Norman Brown and Mint Condition.
John
P. Kee to be Honored at the 2025 BMI Trailblazer of Gospel Music Awards April 3, 2025 in Atlanta
(Atlanta, GA) - BMI will celebrate the songwriters
and publishers behind the year's best in Gospel at the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, held
at Flourish Atlanta on Thursday, April 3, 2025. World-renowned Gospel music pioneer Pastor John P. Kee will
be honored as a "Trailblazer of Gospel" in recognition of his award-winning career spanning over 40 years. Throughout
the ceremony, BMI will also recognize the songwriters, producers and music publishers of the past year's 25 most-performed
Gospel songs in the United States. The BMI Gospel Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year will also be named during the
inspirational gathering. The private event will be hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O'Neill and BMI Vice President,
Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.
Talent Sought for the 26th annual Baltimore ‘ULMII'
Entertainment Conference April 19, 2025 to Perform via Zoom on Two Stages
(Baltimore, MD) - Baltimore's Mid-Day radio personality Dr. Doresa Harvey (formerly
at iHeart, Radio One Baltimore) (pictured top left) to host the 26th annual Baltimore "Uplifting Minds II"
Entertainment Conference Saturday April 19, 2025 from 1-3pmEST and is looking for talent (singers,
songwriters, dancers and actors) for two of the conference's stages. The ULMII Entertainment Conference offers a panel of
eleven industry executives and artists for a Q&A Session and to judge the conference's international talent competition,
held after the professional talent showcase. The ULMII conference offers virtual access to UpliftingMinds.com (RSVP at EventBrite.com).
The ULMII Conference is looking for talent (singers, songwriters, dancers and actors) to perform via Zoom for either the
professional stage or the international competition stage.
Panelist
(clockwise after Doresa) include Dr. Kerri Moseley-Hobbs (Anthony-Michael.com); Dr. Lee Bailey digital magazine publisher
of EURweb.com; Dr. Winston Grier author of "Making Money God's Way;" Billboard #1 chart-topping Jazz guitarist Gregory
Goodloe (John P. Kee, Shirley Caesar); Michele Vreeland president of Xyla Records ("Wild Horse"); Anthony Michael
Hobbs founder of the Imagination Lunchbox International Children's & Adult's Film Festivals (ImaginationLunchbox.com);
Aaron Akins Jazz singer/songwriter ("When Do We Love" featuring Walter and Wallace Scott of The Whispers); Alander
Pulliam, Jr. owner of 98.8FM (iHeart Radio); Michael Ochoa manager of the Hip-Hop R&B girl group MAKO Girls; rapper Lil
Hyste ("Up"/Empire Records), and Nadiyah Kareem former artist manager (Talib Kareem/Jive Records group Imajin).
"Uplifting Minds II" Entertainment Conference - (562)-424-3836
The Pulse of Entertainment
Broadcasting Vol2
SPOTLIGHT of THE WEEK
"NYASIA CHANE'L"
(New York, NY) - Rising R&B sensation Nyasia Chane'l continues to make waves in the entertainment
industry as her soulful song "Impatience" has been prominently featured in the highly anticipated indie film Unexposed,
directed by acclaimed filmmaker Tracey Parson. The film debuted earlier this year on Tubi.
Unexposed is a gripping tale of resilience and redemption. Starring
Syreeta O, Jamal "Gravy" Woolard, Mariahlynn, Jeremy Meeks and Mena Monroe it follows Tracey Miller (Syreeta O.),
a woman who, after her marriage ends due to infidelity, becomes a sleuth for spouses looking to catch their partners cheating.
As she delves deeper into her new role, she uncovers dangerous threats that put her family at risk, leading to a thrilling
and emotional journey.
"Impatience" was
originally featured on Nyasia's 2021 debut EP, "Clubhouse No. 7." Co-written by Nyasia Chane'l, Hiba El Kadri, and
Jayson T. Butler, with production by Franklyn Acevedo, the song is a testament to Nyasia's ability to craft timeless records.
Tracey Parson, a screenwriter, director, and producer known for films
such as Shattered Reflection, The Enemy Inside Me, and Fuxk D3M Kidz, is proving to be one of the most sought-after independent
filmmakers in the industry.
Known for her signature
"Neo-Hip-Hop Soul" sound, Nyasia Chane'l seamlessly blends elements of soul, pop, and hip-hop. Her discography,
which includes successful releases like Midsummer Dream, Impatience, and Sticky Wicked, showcases her dynamic range and storytelling
prowess. As an independent artist, she has graced stages alongside industry legends and performed at prestigious venues, solidifying
her reputation as one of the most sought-after emerging performers.
Fans of Nyasia Chane'l can stream "Impatience" on all major platforms and learn more about her music
and upcoming projects at NyasiaChanel.com. To watch Unexposed, it is now available on Tubi.
