Tag: Max Szadek

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The Palace and America’s Most Beautiful Historic Theaters

Throughout the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to visit several stunning historic theaters across the country. Some of my favorite theaters include the Carpenter Theater in Richmond, the Temple Theatre in Saginaw, the Granada Theater in Santa Barbara, and the Palace Theater in Waterbury. While many may not consider touring theaters when visiting cities, these venues offer a remarkable insight into entertainment history. Most of these theaters were constructed in the 1920s, initially serving as vaudeville houses before transitioning into movie theaters with Wurlitzer organs accompanying silent films and eventually returning to hosting live performances.

The Palace Theater, with its luxurious tomato-red velvet curtain, has hosted a myriad of iconic performers over the years, from Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Jackie Gleason to Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, and the Grateful Dead.

In 1924, during a performance by magician Harry Houdini, a crew had to cut an 8-foot-wide hole in the stage floor for a trap door. The hole was later patched up. Unfortunately, when Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus visited, an elephant named Shirley fell through the patched hole from Houdini’s act several years earlier. Sadly, the management had to put the animal down as they could not rescue it. Shirley, the elephant, is now part of Palace Theater lore as one of the four friendly spirits that supposedly haunt the theater.

In contrast to today’s black box-style theaters designed to accommodate various stage productions, these historic theaters, with their gleaming neon marquees, elegant lobbies, gold detailing, crystal chandeliers, and Art Deco carvings, were solely intended to transport their audiences from the mundane of everyday life to a magical world. The sumptuous plushness of the velvet seats instantly makes you feel like you’re about to experience something extraordinary.

During the pandemic, people stopped attending live shows for health and financial reasons. Still, they continued to stream music, films, and TV in record numbers, proving that entertainment is a necessary commodity. Divabetic’s podcasts, virtual workshops, and YouTube videos also experienced an uptick. There was a prevailing notion that live theater was a luxury. If that notion still holds, creating elaborate, glamorous theater spaces that encourage people to dress up, celebrate, and experience the joys of life is truly invaluable.

Watching performances by Itzhak Perlman and Rohan De Silva in these beautiful settings is a treasure.

We’re talking about movie characters with diabetes, including Steel Magnolias, Soul Food, Mad Money, The Baby-Sitter Club, and Nothing In Common. How realistic are these portrayals? How accurate is information about diabetes and diabetes self-care?  And how do we feel after viewing them?  With all the emotional and physical complications comes drama, making characters with the condition a good plot point on the silver screen.

Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Glucose SOS founder Pamela Heyward, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, Kent Gash, Jessica Clark, and Muniq Gut Health Shakes Founder Marc Washington.  

Throughout this podcast, we will feature music from the album Score by 2Cellos, courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk, and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their healthcare providers, a translator of clinical speak, and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence.

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with diabetes and its related complications. 

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Luther Vandross Documentary Opens Coming To Theaters In November 2024

Luther Vandross’s Never Too Much documentary opens in theaters starting November 1st!

I’ve seen it thrice and walked away with a different insight each time. One of the things I enjoy most is seeing Luther’s discipline, drive, and determination to succeed. It’s easy to think Luther had no trouble getting signed to a record deal, but the opposite is true. He spent his own money, earned from singing jiggles, to finance his demo and was rejected by several labels.

I never met anyone with his convictions. He taught me to believe in myself and my ideas and to invest in them.

The documentary relives the many stunning moments of Luther’s musical career while exploring his personal life, health struggles related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, and a lifelong battle to earn the respect his music deserved.

Using a wealth of rarely seen archives, Luther tells his story with assistance from his closest friends, ME (!), and musical collaborators, including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson, and Roberta Flack.

It’s strange to see yourself on screen and share such a traumatic experience. I am grateful to everyone who has supported, participated, and partnered with me with my diabetes nonprofit organization, Divabetic.

After Luther’s stroke, I could have left his side and found work supporting another musical artist. Instead, I chose a different path. I educated myself about diabetes (I have a family history of type 1 and type 2 diabetes) and helped educate and empower others so that we could all keep our house a home.

I still believe that’s the best way to honor Luther’s legacy.

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Diabetes Outreach At the New York Auto Show

We’re bringing our dazzling approach to diabetes outreach to the New York International Auto Show in New York City. The New York International Auto Show is North America’s first and largest attended auto show, featuring 1,000 vehicles plus the latest in tech, safety, and innovation.

Play along with Mr. Divabetic and participants in Divabetic’s ‘Serve, Taste or Trash!’ Game. In the game, you’re given three choices of popular foods. You must decide which one you’d serve, which one you’d taste, and which one you’d trash. The game’s goal is to encourage people to become more open-minded eaters:

Mr. Divabetic wants to raise awareness of the precautions people living with diabetes should take before getting behind the wheel. Did you know that sudden bouts of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can lead to confusion, delayed reaction, visual disturbances, or loss of consciousness when driving? Even in the absence of low blood sugar, people with diabetes may have impaired vision or nerve function in the feet, which can affect driving. While most accidents related to diabetes complications happen to a small group of people with Type 1 diabetes who need to take insulin, people with Type 2 diabetes are also at risk.

Tune in to Divabetic’s free monthly podcasts hosted by Mr. Divabetic on blog talk radio. Divabetic’s dynamic free online and mobile podcast channel features live and archived programs and specials. Guests include healthcare collaborators, beauty, image/style, fitness experts, entertainment industry leaders, and VIPs: women and men living with, at risk of, and being affected by diabetes.

Join Divabetic’s Facebook page, follow Mr. Divabetic on Twitter, and learn more about sponsorship opportunities and event details.

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Product Review: Swoon Lemonade

On a hot Summer day, I picked up a can of Swoon Pink Lemonade at my neighborhood Bodega. I had never heard of Swoon before, but the bright colors and the big Zero Sugar caught my eye. 
I googled the product and found out that Swoon co-founder Jen was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a young age. She was on the hunt for delicious, zero-sugar drinks with little success. Cristina and her co-founder created a
sweet, fruity, tart, and deliciously flavored drink. 

The only thing to note is that it does have a slight stevia aftertaste that tingles on your tongue. Apart from Pink Lemonade, Swoon offers exciting flavors like Lemonade, Ginger Lemonade, Half and Half, Peach Tea, Lemon Tea, Raspberry Tea, and Peach Tea.

What’s even cooler is that when you buy a case of Swoon online, they donate one can to a needy family through the nonprofit Wellfare and their first-of-its-kind Better Box program that’s improving access to convenient nutrition in low-income communities.

Frozen Watermelon Pink Lemonade Recipe

After a quick scan of the Swoon®. website, I stumbled upon this fun cocktail recipe! It’s easy-breezy, hot-pink, frosty, and delicious. You can add vodka or have it as a mocktail.

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds cubed watermelon
(about 4 cups)
1 12-ounce can pink lemonade, such as Swoon® Pink Lemonade

See Full Recipe

Many people consume more sugar than they realize. Our bodies don’t need sugar to function properly. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to no more than 6% of calories each day. For most American women, that’s no more than 100 calories per day, or about 6 teaspoons of sugar. For men, it’s no more than 150 calories per day, or about 9 teaspoons.

We’re talking about ‘THE SWEETEST TABOO’ aka ‘ADDED SUGAR’ with musical inspiration from Sade on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast. Podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Tameka Milline, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP. Kathy Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’, and Stephanie MacKendree. Throughout the podcast, we play music from ‘The Essential Sade’ album courtesy of SONY Music.

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Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes Mini-Reunion

I hosted a “Divabetic—Makeover Your Diabetes” mini-team reunion with my friends and colleagues, Makeup Artist Jeff Jones, and Style Advisor Catherine Schuller. We haven’t been together in quite a while.

It was such a rewarding experience to travel to different U.S. cities and empower women affected by, living with, and at risk of diabetes. The experience was life-changing for each of us, so within no time, we were walking down memory lane, sharing our favorite moments.

Our comprehensive educational approach, partnered with free makeover services, boosted their confidence and helped them manage their condition effectively. Participants could enjoy one-on-one education sessions on fitness, nutrition, appearance, intimacy, diabetes education, and goal setting. They were also treated to free makeovers, mini-massages, image advice and safe manicures. Our Diva photography studio, fashion show, fun workout demonstrations, stage games, and prize giveaways had people smiling all day.

Divabetic’s six one-on-one education stations were branded with nonclinical names: “Twist & Shout” (fitness), “Grab Green & Go” (nutrition), “Glam More Fear Less” (appearance), “Tunnel of Love” (intimacy), “Denial’s Not My Style “(A, B, C’s of diabetes), and “Sweet Inspirations” (goal setting. These stations were surrounded by a Makeover Maze (free makeup application, mini-massage, and safe manicure stations)so that participants could jump back and forth from education to self-pampering without losing a beat.

Catherine and Jeff discussed their initial meeting and shared hesitations about their roles in the makeover program in an elevator as we headed to our first team meeting in Atlanta, GA, in 2006. No one was more surprised at that meeting in Atlanta than my parents, who initially thought they were helping me at someone else’s program, not hosting my first national program. They were shocked to learn I had gained funding from Novo Nordisk to pilot an outreach program geared toward women in two major cities, Atlanta, GA, and Philadelphia, PA; even more surprising was that it became one of their most popular outreach programs ever. Our Novo Nordisk Presents Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes ran for three remarkable years, reaching thousands of women in eight major cities.

I found myself retelling the unbelievable origins story of the program and how I was in the right place at the right time to conceive and implement a program of this magnitude. My experience volunteering backstage at dLife TV tapings in New York played an instrumental role in making it all happen.

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For The Love Of Luther Tea Available At Our Luther Vandross Celebration

True Serenity Tea, LLC is excited to offer a special blend of black organic teas, peppermint, ginseng, and anise called “For The Love Of Luther” for the upcoming Luther Vandross Never Too Much Birthday celebration at THREAD Lounge in the Renaissance Hotel, New York on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. 

This unique blend is packaged beautifully, capturing the elegance and romance of Luther’s legendary concerts, making it a perfect gift for any occasion. Patty Callwood, the Owner/Founder and creator of this blend, says, “The same way Luther’s music touched my heart and soothed my soul is what I want this special blend of tea to do.” 

Peppermint, anise, and ginseng are the chosen ingredients for the blend to capture the essence of Luther’s music. “Luther set the gold standard for male vocalists, and his voice was often compared to velvet. I wanted to capture those qualities for his fans with our packaging,” adds Patty.

The blend costs $15 and includes the Luther Tea, Disposable Tea Bags, and instructions on how to make the tea. Patty hopes Luther’s fans worldwide enjoy drinking this blend of tea and listening to his music as much as she does. 

True Serenity Tea’s mission is to bring peace, calm, and balance to every cup, every day, by offering the finest, high-quality ingredients to craft teas that nourish the body and soul. 

In addition to the “For The Love Of Luther” blend, True Serenity Teas will sell the Pina Colada and New York Bourbon teas for $10 a pouch in addition to the ” For The Love Of Luther ” blend. Remember, a cup of any True Serenity Tea is not just a beverage but a reminder to take care of yourself and to live a life filled with peace, happiness, and serenity.

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Live Performances, Style and Tea Vendors, and DJ DAN. C.E..

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, and Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, discuss working on his recordings and stage shows.

MAKEOVER: Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell demonstrates the power of beauty to transform your health. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem Heaven’s Hats, S Designs, Dig Ferreira Kynetik Soundz, Teresa Marie Collection, JM Designs, LPF Collection, and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalists Keith Anthony Fluitt and Christopher Faison.

DJ DAN.C.E. has developed his style of open-format DJing, which he refers to as RetroFitted. He developed his style of open format DJing, RetroFitted, playing the family of R&B music (Funk, Soul, Disco, House, and Hip-Hop) across eras. He also leans heavily into spinning Hip-Hop/Lo-Fi instrumentals, which he calls “Spinning the Essence.”

SHOP VENDORS: Support a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs, including True Serenity Tea (For the Love Of Luther Tea blend), Power Pieces, and Harlem Heaven’s Hats.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Luther signature cocktails and delicious appetizers are available for purchase.

I’m thrilled to host FANDROSS’s upcoming Luther Birthday Listening Party on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 3 PM EST.

We will feature the music from the group Luther’s first album from 1976. There’s so much to learn and love. Join the fun as you hear how the group was formed, feel the emotional depths of the steamy lyrics, and share memorable moments from friends and musicians who worked on the album.

Enjoy an array of visuals, fun trivia questions, and colorful commentary from a super fan, and join in on spirited chat room conversation.

Through interview clips, our Honoree will fill us in on how his song “Everybody Rejoice “ made it into the Broadway musical ’The Wiz’ and his feelings about his remake of the song “The Second Time Around.”

This will be a befitting birthday toast to Luther. Come share in it!

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Harlem Heaven’s Hats Joins our Luther Vandross Celebration in NYC

“When I listen to Luther Vandross’ music, It makes me happy. I want to sing along and move to the beat. I want to snap my fingers and stomp my feet. There is joy in his music,” says Evetta Petty, the owner and designer of Harlem Heaven’s Hats. 


Evetta will be joining us at our upcoming Luther Vandross: “Never Too Much” birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and Live DJ on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Thread Lounge at the Renaissance Hotel in NY, NY.

Photographer: Hank Pegeron @hpegeron | Model: Keanna Bryant | Hat Designer: @harlemheavenhats | Dress Designer: Malcolm Staples | hpegeron@me.com | 718-564-9916 | www.marckitimagery.com

Evetta and Divabetic partnered on a successful faith-based diabetes outreach program, Hat Boxing. At these events, we challenged women at risk, affected by, and living with diabetes to design hat boxes with educational, motivational, and encouraging messages about managing their diabetes health. Our main focus was raising awareness of the link between mismanaged diabetes and stroke. 

In 2003, before the release of “Dance With My Father,” my boss, Luther Vandross, suffered a debilitating stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Please learn how to keep your house a home by learning to prevent a stroke from occurring. If someone you know is experiencing a store, don’t wait to take action. Once a stroke strikes, every minute counts. BE FAST is a simple way to remember the signs of a stroke. BE FAST stands for balance, eyes, face, arm, speech, and time. 

Strokes don’t automatically result in long-term impairment. A clot-busting drug, known as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), can be given intravenously to people having a stroke. The drug can shrink the size of the clot, allowing blood to flow back to the brain. The key is calling 911 when you recognize a loved one is experiencing a stroke.

My boss, Luther Vandross, was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wore bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringes, which  Evetta Petty appreciated.

“When I design hats, I want them to make the customer happy. I am dressing people for important events in their life. I want them to smile when they see the hats and look great in them. I want my hats to evoke that same joy that I feel from Luthers’ music, ” says Evetta Petty. Harlem Heaven’s Hats have been featured in VOGUE, ELLE, CNN, the NY Times, and the World-Renowned Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot. She will participate in our Fashion Show at the Luther Vandross Never Too Much Birthday Celebration on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Thread Lounge in New York City.

Join us when we celebrate the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made Luther’s music and concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, and Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, discuss working on his recording and stage shows. Hosted by Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek. 

MAKEVOER: Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell demonstrates the power of beauty in transforming your health. Alicia’s own health journey is powerful, and she will share how small steps led her to great success in managing her weight. Hosted by Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Harlem Heaven’s Hats, Kynetik Soundz, Baro Sanchez, Dig Ferreira, LPF Collection, Teresa Marie Collection, JM Designs, and Modafleur showcase the hottest trends in fashion. Plus, S Designs spotlights Luther’s Wedding Song, “Here & Now,” with funky, flashy, and fabulous wedding gowns you don’t want to miss! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE MUSIC: Keith Anthony Fluitt will perform some of Luther’s most beloved songs, plus Special Guest performer Christopher Faison. DJ DAN.C.E. will spin Luther’s hits all night long.

STYLISH VENDORS: Support a dazzling array of small businesses, including True Serenity Teas, Power Pieces, and Harlem Heaven’s Hats.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling! Register Now. It’s Free!

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Luther’s Big 80’s Birthday Bash in New York 2024

Luther Vandross’s home furnishings also displayed his fantastic sense of style on stage and off. Although he didn’t own these chairs, he loved to upholster his chairs, sofas, and ottomans with animal prints.

During my tenure working as his assistant, Luther owned homes in Beverly Hills, CA, New York, NY, and Greenwich, CT. His Beverly Hills mansion’s decor stopped my heart when I first visited. It was lush, opulent, inviting, and beautiful. You knew you were in a star’s home the moment you walked through the front door.

He had black onyx kitchen countertops with blonde cabinetry. I was equally impressed by how he chose not to display his awards and merits in the foyer or front rooms. Instead, when you descended the stairs to his private screening room, he had all his Gold and Platinum Records, American Music Awards, Grammy Awards, BET Awards, and more on display in the rotunda. It was awe-inspiring.

Luther was a fan of the Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles. Art Deco leans toward geometric shapes, while Art Nouveau uses organic shapes and lines. On stage, Luther mixed both together to create a truly magical experience for his audience.

When his choreographer, James Ervin, was teaching me the arm movements of Luther’s song, Never Too Much, he mentioned that Erte’s poses inspired many of them.

Please join us for the upcoming Luther Never Too Much Big 80s Birthday Celebration, which will spotlight his iconic style and music on 4/17/24 at Thread Lounge in the Renaissance in NYC.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem Heaven’s Hats, S Designs, DIG Ferreira Kynetik Soundz, Teresa Marie Collection, LPF Collection, and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalists Keith Anthony Fluitt and Christopher Faison.

DJ DAN.C.E. has developed his style of open-format DJing, which he refers to as RetroFitted. He developed his style of open format DJing, RetroFitted, playing the family of R&B music (Funk, Soul, Disco, House, and Hip-Hop) across eras. He also leans heavily into spinning Hip-Hop/Lo-Fi instrumentals, which he calls “Spinning the Essence.”

SHOP VENDORS: Support a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs offering apparel, jewelry, and True Serenity Tea (For the Love Of Luther Tea blend).

True Serenity Tea’s for the Love Of Luther blends organic black tea, ginseng, peppermint, and anise.

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The Wiz on Broadway, Luther Vandross Fashion Show & Listening Party

I saw the musical, The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical Wizard Of Oz” on Broadway this week.

The 1975 Broadway production won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.  Sadly, Stephanie Mills didn’t win a Tony Award, but she did win the Drama Desk Award. I feel you can’t touch her performance. Her voice soars, shines, and shatters your ears. She will always be Dorothy for me.  

The musical’s idea originated with producer Ken Harper, who became the director and worked with Geoffrey Holder. 

The original Wizard on Broadway actor Andre De Shields wrote, “It was Geoffrey’s masterful people skills and embrace of magical realism that metamorphosed The Wiz from caterpillar to butterfly,” according to Wiki. 

The Wiz was a breakthrough for Broadway, a large-scale big-budget musical featuring an all-Black cast. Its success opened the door for future musicals, Dreamgirls, and Sophisticated Ladies, to be produced. 

One of the first albums Santa brought me was the original Broadway cast recording. I would repeatedly listen to the music, especially “Ease On Down The Road” and “A Brand New Day.”

I didn’t learn that Luther Vandross wrote “A Brand New Day” until after passing in 2005. He never performed the song in concert, so I had no reason to make the connection. But what a song! I love his creative approach to writing a song about Evillene’s death.

Luther’s joyful concept of what’s to come versus celebrating the tragedy of the witch’s death is inspiring. “A Brand New Day” is featured in the new Broadway production twice.

Watching the show with my friends, Joe and Leisa, and FANDROSS CEO Seveda Williams was a beautiful experience.

I adore Deborah Cox, who plays Glenda. Several years ago, I saw her perform “Absolutely Not” and “Things Just Ain’t The Same” at a KTU radio listening party, and she blew the roof off with her electrifying performance. 

Celebrating Luther’s songwriting talents and the cast’s wonderful performances was wonderful. Plus, I got to relive my childhood memories.

The film version of The Wiz starred Diana Ross as Dorothy, Michael Jackson as Scarecrow, Nipsey Russell as Tin Man, Richard Pryor as the Wizard, and Lena Horne as Glinda. 

Join me for my Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday party celebrating Luther’s iconic Music and Style.

This free program features a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and Live DJ Dan C.E.  on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 5:30 -8:30 PM at THREAD Lounge at the Renaissance Hotel. 

PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, and Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, discuss their experience working with Luther. Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell shares how small steps led her to big rewards in her healthy journey as she demonstrates how hair and makeup artistry can transform your attitude. 

FASHION SHOW: Harlem’s Heaven, Kynetik Soundz, LPS Collection, Baro Sanchez, and Modafleur showcase the hottest trends in fashion. Plus, S Designs spotlights Luther’s Wedding Song, Here & Now, with funky, flashy, and fabulous wedding gowns you won’t miss! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE MUSIC: Keith Anthony Fluitt performs some of Luther’s most beloved songs.  DJ DAN.C.E. spins Luther’s hits all night long. 

I’m thrilled to announce I’ll host the virtual FANDROSS Birthday Listening Party on Saturday, April 20, at 3 PM on Zoom. Join me, Luther Historian Leon Petrossian, Fonzi Thornton, Carlos Alomar, Nat Adderley Jr., and more special guests as we spin the group Luther’s glorious first album, “Luther,” during the program.

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Divabetic Salutes Natalie Cole

“I think that I am a walking testimony to you can have scars. You can go through turbulent times and still have victory in your life,” Natalie Cole said.


When she was a girl, Natalie Cole started singing with her father, crooner Nat King Cole. She made her first recording at age 6; by 11, she was performing on TV alongside her dad.

She won two Grammy Awards, Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Performance, for her debut album, “Inseparable” in 1975. 

Her third — and first platinum — album, “Unpredictable,” spawned another No. 1 R&B hit: “I’ve Got Love on My Mind.”

Her fourth album, “Thankful,” features one of my favorite songs, the smooth and sultry ballad “Our Love.” It was written by Cole’s regular team of Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy, both former members of the R&B group the Independents.

In 1979, Natalie Cole received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, signifying and solidifying her prowess as a performer.

But her ongoing recreational use of substances turned into a heavy, crippling drug addiction. 

In her autobiography, “Angel on my Shoulder,” she wrote, “I never got to make the transition from little girl to young woman … and that really screws you up.”

Her addiction became so prominent in her life that, on more than one occasion, it nearly killed her. She overcame her addiction after checking into rehab. 

Our friend, Jennifer Jacobs, who worked with Natalie Cole on several of her music tours, shares her memories of working with this extraordinary woman on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Adele.

After becoming sober, Natalie Cole returned in the 1990s with “Unforgettable… with Love”, featuring renditions of songs previously sung by her father. 

When Natalie Cole began her career, she admitted she was determined not to capitalize on her father’s name and wanted to forge her separate identity. In an interview, she said, “My father led by example. He wasn’t much of a talker—he walked life.” For many years, she also found the prospect of recording her late father’s songs too painful on a personal level. But overcoming her fears certainly paid off. 

The album’s breakout single, “Unforgettable,” features a track dubbed over a previous Nat King Cole recording to create a father-daughter duet. The album sold over 11 million copies and garnered several honors, including seven Grammys, Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.

One of my other favorite moments from Natalie Cole’s career is when you replaced Whitney Houston at the Oscars and performed “Run To You” and “I Have Nothing” from the Bodyguard soundtrack. 

In 2008, Natalie Cole was diagnosed with hepatitis C, a disease of the liver. She received a kidney transplant after her kidneys began to fail. 

I just wanted to say a big thank you for checking out my Women & Music series for Women’s History Month. I had a blast creating artwork for each of my favorite performers and learning more about their amazing lives. I hope you had as much fun reading it as I did creating it!

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and a Live DJ on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

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