Tag: Never Too Much

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Alicia Mitchell’s Small Steps To Big Rewards

In October 2022, Graffiti Glamor makeup artist Alicia Mitchell injured her foot. And she wasn’t able to walk without a cane Her healthcare professionals mistreated her, blaming the injury on her weight. But a follow-up conversation with her doctor ignited a fire underneath her. Alicia’s doctor said she was on the verge of having type 2 diabetes. Alicia received a similar warning a few years before and made some lifestyle changes, but juggling multiple jobs caught up with her. The long days and late hours pushed her health to the side. She admits she wasn’t paying attention to her body, routinely ate late, and lost track of herself. 

Looking back, she wishes she was taught about healthy lifestyle choices when she was younger. “No one showed me proper portion sizes or spoke to me about the importance of exercising.”

Although both of her parents have type 2 diabetes, as well as several of her relatives, food was a form of love in her home. The food is comfort mentality is why Alicia feels no one held her accountable as she began gaining weight. She was so focused on work that the weight started to creep on without realizing it. She wasn’t aware of how much she was eating or how it made it feel. At the time, her weight began to escalate. 

In June 2023, Alicia decided it was time to turn her health around. Although her work was active, she didn’t have a workout routine, so she began working out at a gym  First, she went to the gym once or twice a week before working out with a personal fitness trainer  At the same time, she began changing her eating habits  Alicia became mindful of her portion sizes and how certain foods made her feel, in addition to cutting back on added sugar in her diet  For someone who admits to having a sweet tooth that meant cutting down on sugar-sweetened beverages, cakes, and cookies, she works out daily and practices portion control. 

Since beginning her healthy lifestyle modifications a year ago, Alicia says she has dropped five dress sizes. Her advice to others is to ‘see yourself for where you are and take care of yourself now. Could you make a change to be a better you in the future? ‘ She also urges others to take care of one thing at a time. “Take your time, and little by little, you will see a change,” Alicia added. 

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. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at THREAD Lounge in the Renaissance Hotel in New York City.

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: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers are available for purchase.

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Christopher Faison Performs At Our Luther Vandross Never Too Much Celebration in NYC

“I love singing Luther’s music because it is how I discovered my voice,” says Christopher Faison, the creator and star of the cabaret “Here and Now: The Music of Luther Vandross.  “Everything I know about love I learned from listening to Luther Vandross.  His voice to me was LOVE.”

Christopher will perform at our upcoming Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration, featuring a music panel, fashion show, live performances, style and tea vendors, and DJ DAN.C.E. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 5:30 – 8:30 PM at THREAD Lounge in the Renaissance Hotel in New York City. 

Christopher Faison’s 60-minute self-contained cabaret chronicles his quest to find love and all that it entails, underscored by the music of the legendary singer Luther Vandross. Featuring songs like “Never Too Much,” “Any Love,” and “Dance with My Father,” Christopher owns the stage in an intimate and glorious performance.

Debbie White of Banderas News writes: “Christopher Faison’s Here and Now: The Music of Luther Vandross was the perfect show for novice listeners and die-hard fans. Faison’s honesty, humor, and stellar vocals won over his audience instantly. With enthusiastic applause and several standing ovations, Here and Now is a fabulous show where emotion meets talent! 

“I grew up listening to all the male vocalists of the 80s, but Luther was the only way to emulate. His music was sacred in my house and remains that way today, “Christopher says. “I learned about heartache and heartbreak, and I learned the beast of what it means to be in love and not have it returned. Most importantly, Luther taught me what love sounded like: the low rumbling in the pit of your stomach when love is new, the crescendos and decrescendos of courtship, the fortissimo you hit when you’re feeling just right, and the breath you hold while waiting for loves return.”

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made Luther’s 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.

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

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, including True Serenity Tea (For the Love Of Luther Tea blend), Power Pieces, and Harlem Heaven’s Hats.

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

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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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Luther Vandross Music & Style Celebration In April

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 Live DJ Dan C.E.  on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 5:30 – 9 PM

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.

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

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

Dan C.E. has been a professional DJ for 20+ years. Throughout his career, he developed his style of open-format DJing, which he refers to as RetroFitted, by has been a professional DJ for 20+ years. He developed his style of open format DJing, which he refers to as RetroFitted, over the course of his career, 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.”

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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Divabetic Salutes Deborah Cox

“I prefer Princess. I would love to be known as a diva later on in life when I’ve had far more experiences,” says Deborah Cox. 

With six top-20 Billboard R&B singles and an impressive eleven number-one hits on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play, Deborah Cox can call herself anything she wants, including a multi-platinum selling artist. 

Deborah Cox, inspired by her idol Whitney Houston, began performing in television commercials at age 12. “I remember wanting to be a singer from when I was a young girl,” she recalls. “I would sing a lot in my room as a kid and just fantasize about being an entertainer.”

She was hired as a professional backup vocalist for Céline Dion.

Clive Davis was signed to Arista Records by Clive Davis. Her debut album featured an infectious mix of pop and R&B and her first dance hit, “Who Do U Love.”

From there, Deborah Cox’s career hit its stride on the dance floor.  he released a string of dance songs, “Things Just Ain’t The Same,” “Absolutely Not,” and “It Could’ve Been You,” that stormed the club scene. Some artists look down on being categorized as dance artists or having their songs remixed, but not her. ” I think it’s about reaching everybody on every different plane and every different level, and if I could remix the song and do a dance remix, that’s great,” she said. ” f I could do a classical version, that’ll be great too. It’s all just about expression.”


Her sophomore album produced the  slow jam hit “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here.” The soulful ballad became an instant sensation and held the then-record for the longest-running No. 1 R&B single of all time. But then, it got a second life on the dance floor and topped the Dance Charts.   

When asked about reworking her signature ballads and dance floor stompers, she said, “My opinion is that music is music. As long as you approach doing a remix with truth, I don’t see the dance remixes being any different than a hip-hop remix—it’s really a different version of the song.”


Deborah Cox lived out her fantasies when she worked with her idol, Whitney Houston,  on the song “Same Script, Different Cast” for the album Whitney: The Greatest Hits. Working alongside her idol, she said, “

It gave me a chance to really sit one-on-one with her and have that mentor-to-student sisterhood moment where we could just talk, kick it, and have raw conversations about the business, family, and so much more.”

She took another leap by performing Whtiney’s role in the musical rendition of the classic film, The Bodyguard.  She performed the singing vocals on the Lifetime film, ‘I Will Always Love You: The Whitney Houston Story. “I  knew I had some big shoes to fill,” says Deborah Cox.

I’m looking forward to seeing Deborah Cox on Broadway, starring in the revival of ‘The Wiz.’

Luther Vandross wrote “A Brand New Day,” also known as “Everybody Rejoice,” for the musical.

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 Live DJ.

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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Divabetic Salutes Cindy Mizelle

“I have mad respect for athletes and have penned a few songs with more to give all the way around,” says my friend, singer, and songwriter Cindy Mizelle.

Cindy Mizelle is the proud mother of three children. Her two sons are professional athletes. Devin Fuller, a wide receiver with the Atlanta Falcons, and Jordan Fuller, a safety for the Carolina Panthers, have had distinguished careers in the NFL. 

Her incredible career includes Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Seeger Sessions Band, Steely Dan, Billy Ocean, Whitney Houston, Dave Matthews, Duran Duran, Freddie Jackson,  Carly Simon, Alicia Keys, and Luther Vandross.

Cindy told Rolling Stone Magazine that growing up, she knew a singing career was in her future, “I just said, “I know how to do this.” I played the flute, too, and I knew scales. Everything was a musical thing for me. And once I found that power, I was like, “I’m going!”


I first met Cindy on Luther Vandross’s Never Let Me Go tour in 1993. Cindy toured and recorded with Luther Vandross for over twenty years. She admits working with Luther felt like family. “I loved everything about him. I could relax and be myself, and he was so supportive. When it came down to my kids, he got them their first shoes.”

Between gigs with Luther Vandross and the Rolling Stones, Cindy managed to squeeze the recording of her debut album, Cindy Mizelle, on Atlantic Records. My favorite tracks include the lead single, “I’ve Had Enough,” ” Smile, and “Back To Emotions.”

Through Cindy, I met the talented performer Katreese Barnes, who was the musical director for SNL and won an Emmy for ‘Dick In The Box.”  I styled Katreese for several shoots and co-produced her show, Rocket Man, featuring the music by Elton John. 

A few years later, in 1995, Cindy gave me the gift of a lifetime when she sang lead vocals on the dance song I co-wrote with Keith Haarmeyer, “That Man Of Mine.” The amazing Brenda White-King also performed backing vocals on the record. 

I’ll always remember the day we recorded the song in Keith’s one-bedroom apartment in New York City. After Cindy looked at the lyrics sheet, she asked me if I had a specific idea of how I’d like her to sing the lyrics. Then, to my astonishment, she said the chorus line five or six different ways, varying her tone and phrasing with each variation. It was the most incredible thing I’ve ever witnessed. I still have goosebumps thinking about it. The power and control she has with her voice are incredible, too. 

I’m not Cindy’s only fan, either. Mariah Carey praises Cindy Mizelle in her memoir The Meaning of Mariah Carey: “To me, she was one of the absolute greatest. “Cindy Mizelle was the background singer. She sang with the most gifted vocalists of all time—Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, and the Rolling Stones. She was a real singer’s singer. Cindy was that girl to me. I looked up to her so much.”

It was also a thrill for me to design costumes for The Lovely Ladies (Tawatha Agee, Brenda, and Cindy) when they were on tour with Dave Matthews Band. Most recently, my boyfriend Joe and I filmed Cindy for Nils Lofgren’s “Ain’t The Truth Enough” music video. 

Music is definitely part of her DNA. Cindy Mizelle is the cousin of the famous Mizell Brothers (they dropped the word “e” out of their name), who wrote songs for the Jackson 5 and A Taste of Honey. She’s also the cousin of the Ronettes!!! She told Rolling Stone magazine, “I looked them up and was like, “Oh, my gosh!” That was my motivation there. I’d play their records and figure out what they did. I started singing in the basement and in bands after that.”

She mentions how Ronnie Spector always supported her in her career. It’s truly a pleasure to spotlight this amazing woman whose heart is as big and beautiful as her voice. 

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.

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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Divabetic Salutes Lizz Wright

“When you want a great show, it’s not ‘entertaining’ the audience – it’s you sharing with them… an experience of communion,” says Lizz Wright. “Music is primal: when it’s done without pretension, you can feel the shape of someone’s soul.”

Through a voice that The New York Times describes as “a smooth, dark alto possessed of qualities you might associate with barrel-aged bourbon or butter-soft leather,” vocalist and songwriter Lizz Wright sings with a soaring reflection of the cultural fabric of America.

“I’ve followed my voice rather than forcing it to emerge.” 

I became a Lizz Wright fan when my friend, Carol, turned me on to her rendition of Nina Simone’s “Seems I’m Never Tired Lovin’ You.”  You can feel the emotion she pours into every note of this ballad. 

Lizz Wright’s 20-year career transcended social divides with her offer of love and a deep sense of humanity. She told NPR she is a big Otis Redding fan and finds inspiration in how he leaned into a song’s lyrics.. “

He sounds like he’s always at the end of a long day, and he just won’t give up. I just love his wearied devotion — that beautiful, beautiful, weathered sound.”She first made a name for herself nationally as a vocalist with a touring concert tribute to Billie Holiday. Lizz Wright released her debut album, Salt, on Verve Records, which topped Billboard’s contemporary jazz charts. On Concord, Lizz Wright released Freedom & Surrender (2016)—featuring the single “Lean In,” which landed on President Obama’s Summer 2016 playlist—and Grace (2017).   

“I started really opening up as a songwriter and an interpreter and taking songs from all kinds of genres and stripping them down to just lyrics and the story inside the lyrics, and trying to make them really mine.”Lizz Wright launched her own independent record company, Blues & Greens Records a few years ago. She released the album Shadow, which features five of her original compositions and 

celebrates the intimacy of romantic love, loss, community, and healing.

She avoids pigeonholing her music taste and instead listens to and appreciates all types of music. “What I like is not a particular genre; it’s storytelling,” says Lizz Wright. “There’s a lot of great storytelling in jazz, folk, and country music.” 

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.

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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Divabetic Salutes Jean Knight

“Mr. Big Stuff is better to me now than 31 years ago,” said singer Jean Knight about her biggest hit. “All I have to do is sit at home and wait for the mailman.”

The New Orleans singer reached #2 on the Billboard charts in 1971 with”Mr. Big Stuff.” and received a Grammy nomination. But a decade before her success, Jean Knight cut her first demo recording in 1965, a cover of Jackie Wilson’s “Stop Doggin’ Me Around.”

One of her biggest musical influences was Etta James. “The first time she heard “All I Could Do Was Cry,” she said in an interview on YouTube, “The first time I heard that song, I wanted to be like her.”

Jean Knight recorded a series of singles with lukewarm success. When her career stalled, she left the music industry and worked at a bakery.

Songwriter Ralph Williams connected Jean Knight to record producer Wardell Quezergue a short time later. Her recording sessions with Wardell Quezergue yielded “Mr Big Stuff,” which turned around her fortunes. Reflecting on the recording session, Jean Knight said she liked “Mr. Big Stuff” lyrics but not the melody. She felt the melody didn’t match the tone and emotion of the song’s subject. At some point, the producers let Jean sing it her way. She recorded her infamous version of the song in one take. Stax Records bought the rights and released the record, which peaked at no. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“Mr. Big Stuff” topped the US R&B chart and crossed over into the main pop chart, reaching No. 2. The Bee Gees’ hit “ How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” kept her from the top spot. Her popularity soared, and she performed her hit on TV Shows like Soul Train and received Best Female R&B Vocal Performance nominations at the 1972 Grammy Awards.

After “Mr. Big Stuff,” Jean Knight recorded a few modest hits, including “You Think You’re Hot Stuff” and “Carry On,” but disagreements with her producers at Stax led to her being dropped from the label the following year,

Jean Knight said, “I’m the type of person that I never get too big for the people that I have been knowing,” explaining why she didn’t get caught in the trappings of fame. “My friends from when I was much younger are still my friends today.”

In the 80s, she joined the local oldies circuits, where producer Isaac Bolden spotted her. He signed her to his label, Soulin. The two produced the song “You Got The Papers, But I Got The Man.” It was a novelty answer song to Richard Dimples Fields’s hit, “She’s Got Papers On Me.”

“You Got The Papers, But I Got The Man” has one of the best sassy monologues ever recorded! Jean Knight’s defiant mistress tells off her lover’s wife, “What you need, girl, is a complete overhaul, your house, your body, your face and all!” It could be straight out of a season finale of The Real Housewives franchise and requires you to fasten your seatbelt before listening.

After reading the wife from A to Z, she sweetly expresses her undying love for her man. It reminds me of Shirley Brown’s “Woman To Woman” song that my friend, DJ Downtown Donna, used to spin at the classic dive bar Pendulum on Castro Street in San Francisco.

Jean Knight also remade the novelty hit “My Toot Toot,” which became her first international hit. It reached the top ten in the United Kingdom and # 3 in South Africa.

The Louisiana Music Hall of Famer’s legacy extends beyond her music. She passionately shared her time and talents with many New Orleans community causes. She represented the heart and soul of her hometown, earning respect and admiration far beyond her musical talents.

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 Live DJ.

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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Divabetic Salutes Meli’sa Morga

“I learned a lot about discipline when I was a backup singer,” Meli’sa Morgan recalled in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. “You really need discipline and control. You have to know what your voice can do and know how to use it just right.”

Singer-songwriter Meli’sa Morgan is perhaps best known for her #1 hit in the eighties: “Do Me, Baby,” an original recording by Prince. She has sung backup and collaborated with Chaka Khan, Kashif, and Whitney Houston.

“I idolized Chaka Khan; she was the ultimate, so cute, feathery, big hair, leather-wearing singer of all times. I wore my style after how she presented herself, and what she had that was becoming legendary,” she told Chocolate Voice. “Every Black female singer in America sang “Sweet Thing” at a talent show somewhere.”

She studied music theory at the Julliard School of Music.“I do lyrics and melodies,” she told the Los Angeles Times.

Her vocal ability landed her a record deal at Capitol Records in the 1980s. She took the music industry by storm, releasing hit after hit, including “Do You Still Love Me,” “Fools Paradise,” and “Love Changes,” a duet with Award-winning singer-songwriter Kashif.

Music critics mention her knack for saturating a song with passion and sensuality. Whether she sings up-tempo funk or a silky smooth slow jam, she pours her soul into a song.

Years ago, I saw her electrifying performance when she opened for Freddie Jackson in Rochester, New York. Her trademark hair was on full display. She admits she loved Chaka’s Big Hair and gave it her twist.

But let’s go way back to her amazing vocals on the dance hit “Keep In Touch (Body To Body) by Shades of Love. This New York City group of stelllar vocalists included  Meli’sa Morgan, Lisa Fischer, Claudette Polite and Jean Steals.

About a decade later, Junior Vasquez and Johnny Vicious dominated the dancefloors in Gay clubs with her monster remix of this song. I still get up to dance every time I hear it.

Two years ago, the scarlet-red-haired singer released the single “Footprints Of An Angel” on her independent record label, Asilem Productions. The song is a movie theme with the same title. Meli’sa Morgan co-stars as a mother who loses her daughter to cancer. “Footprints of An Angel” was a solid hit on the UK Soul Charts and the Independent Urban Influencer R & B/Soul Charts. 

I had the chance to interview Meli’sa Morgan for Divabetic’s Studio d podcast. If given the chance, she admitted that she would love to cover Luther’s “Bad Boy/Having a Party” song. Meli’sa Morgan maintains her health by following a strict diet and making time for herself.

When asked about the challenges of navigating a five-decade career in the music industry, Meli’sa Morgan said, “The easiest part of the business is, once you’re there, performing for your fans is the fun part. You embrace them, and they embrace you. But getting to the stage is the hardest—the political games, getting the gigs, promotion, the money, and all of that.”

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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