Entertainment
Ledisi: The Underrated Icon of R&B Music
Published
2 years agoon
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – In the vibrant tapestry of R&B music, Ledisi stands as a beacon of talent, resilience, and artistic integrity. Despite her undeniable contributions to the genre, she recently took to Instagram to express her frustration at being overlooked in discussions about R&B music—a sentiment echoed by many of her loyal fans. If you’re not familiar with this amazing artist, let’s delve into why any praise or recognition for Ledisi is so well deserved.
Chart-Topping Hits and Musical Legacy
Ledisi has carved out a distinguished career marked by chart-topping hits that resonate with audiences on a deeply personal level. Her soulful voice and poignant lyrics have garnered acclaim across albums like “Lost & Found,” “Turn Me Loose,” and “The Truth,” each album adding layers to her musical narrative. Tracks such as “Pieces of Me,” “High,” and “Alright” have not only topped R&B charts but have also become anthems celebrating self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment.
With chart-topping albums under her belt since 2000, Ledisi’s 2024 release, “The Good Life,” exemplifies her ongoing artistic growth and mastery. Highlighted by the chart-topping Billboard Adult R&B hit, ‘I Need To Know,’ alongside the soul-stirring single ‘Sell Me No Dreams,’ and the beloved ‘Perfect Strangers’ featuring Kenny Lattimore, the album beautifully encapsulates the depth of emotions and life experiences that define Ledisi’s musical journey.
Throughout her career, Ledisi’s ability to blend traditional R&B with jazz influences has set her apart as a versatile artist capable of delivering both soul-stirring ballads and upbeat, groove-worthy tracks. Her Grammy nominations and wins underscore her talent and the industry’s recognition of her artistry.
In addition to nurturing her music career, Ledisi has authored a biographical book in partnership with ESSENCE magazine and appeared in two films, demonstrating her versatility, exploring various creative avenues.In 2022, Ledisi added another accolade to her impressive resume by becoming the first artist-in-residence and professor at Berklee College of Music. This role not only speaks to her musical prowess but also highlights her commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians, ensuring that her influence extends far beyond the stage.
Recent Tours and Upcoming Performances
Ledisi continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her electrifying live performances. Her recent tours have seen her share the stage with other R&B greats, solidifying her status as a must-see live act. Ledisi continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her electrifying live performances. Recently, she enchanted audiences at the Orlando Funk Fest held at the Central FL Fairgrounds on June 15, 2024, with a soulful performance that left fans in awe of her vocal prowess and stage presence.
A fan, Tahonna, shared her experience after witnessing Ledisi’s performance at Chandler Center for the Arts in Chandler, AZ, on April 14, 2024: “Ledisi gave a great performance! Her talent is unmatched, her voice is so crispy and beautiful! She sounds even better in person and I didn’t think that was possible! She sung 20 songs with no breaks! I would definitely go see her again…so so so worth it!”
Her upcoming “The Good Life Tour” promises to bring her soulful melodies to cities across the country, alongside talented artists like Raheem DeVaughn and BJ The Chicago Kid. Notably, Ledisi will grace Mableton, GA, at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre on September 21st, 2024, for an enchanting “Evening of Soul” featuring Kevin Ross.
Artist’s Reflection and Fan Response
In response to the outpouring of support from fans after her heartfelt Instagram post, Ledisi expressed gratitude for the love and reaffirmed her commitment to the music. She remarked, “I thank you all for taking time to post so many beautiful comments. Thank you for the support. I am where I am loved.”
Ledisi’s journey in R&B music is not just about accolades and achievements but about resilience, passion, and a deep-seated love for the craft. As she continues to pave the way for future generations of artists, her legacy as an icon of R&B remains indelibly etched in the hearts of fans worldwide.
For those eager to experience Ledisi’s magic live, tickets for “The Good Life Tour” are available at LEDISI.com. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness one of R&B’s truest treasures in concert—where the music speaks volumes and the soul shines brightest.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Entertainment
“4000 Days,” “Frampton” Set for Naples International Film Festival Oct. 24–25
Published
1 week agoon
October 22, 2026NAPLES, Fla. (FNN) — Two documentaries exploring families’ fight against college hazing and the career of musician Peter Frampton will screen at the Naples International Film Festival Oct. 24–25, according to an announcement from 10 Lives Studios.
Both films will be shown at Pavilion Naples, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Road.
“4000 Days”: Families Turn Grief Into Advocacy
Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Daniel E. Catullo III and executive produced by Paris Hilton, “4000 Days” follows three families whose sons died in fraternity hazing incidents.
Gary and Julie DeVercelly, Linda and Eric Oakes, and TJ and Kim Burch joined forces to challenge hazing practices, seek accountability and push for legislative reform. The title represents the approximately 4,000 days of their struggle to turn personal loss into change, according to the filmmakers.
The 111-minute documentary premiered at Tribeca and won the Grand Jury Award at the Jersey Shore Film Festival, according to the announcement.
Catullo, Julie and Gary DeVercelly, and Eric Oakes are scheduled to participate in question-and-answer sessions following the Naples screenings.
Screenings:
- Saturday, Oct. 24: 4 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 25: 11 a.m.
“Frampton”: A Career of Setbacks and Comebacks
Directed by Frampton’s longtime bandleader, Rob Arthur, and produced by Catullo, “Frampton” traces the guitarist’s rise through the Herd and Humble Pie, his breakthrough as a solo artist and his continued performances while facing a degenerative condition.
Marking the 50th anniversary of “Frampton Comes Alive!”, the documentary combines archival footage, interviews and recent performances to examine the musician’s career and resilience.
The 102-minute film features appearances by musicians and entertainers including Ringo Starr, Sheryl Crow, Tom Morello, Alice Cooper and Nancy Wilson.
After premiering at Tribeca, the documentary won the Audience Award for Music on Screen at the Calgary International Film Festival, according to the announcement.
Screenings:
- Saturday, Oct. 24: 7:05 p.m.
Entertainment
Kym Whitley, Yvette Nicole Brown to Headline First Ladies Health Initiative Brain Health Luncheon
Published
1 month agoon
September 15, 2026The Sept. 19 luncheon in Marina del Rey will spotlight Alzheimer’s, dementia, caregiving and brain health as the First Ladies Health Initiative celebrates new grant support for programs empowering girls.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FNN) — Emmy-nominated actresses Kym Whitley and Yvette Nicole Brown will headline a First Ladies Health Initiative luncheon focused on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, caregiving and brain health on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Marina del Rey.
The First Ladies Health Initiative, or FLHI, will host its leaders summit luncheon, “Mindful of the Memories: A Path to Better Brain Health,” beginning at 11 a.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey.
Whitley, whose credits include Act Your Age and Raising Whitley, and Brown, known for Community, Act Your Age and The Mayor, will participate in a fireside conversation moderated by Dr. Shalonda “Sunshine” Crawford, co-pastor of Experience Christian Ministries.
The discussion will address the experiences of families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the demands placed on caregivers and the challenges of balancing caregiving with careers and other responsibilities.
Personal Experiences Bring Caregiving Into Focus
FLHI Co-Executive Director Marquisé Alston-Allison said Whitley and Brown were selected in part because both have personal experience caring for their fathers.
“Alzheimer’s disease has a devastating impact on the African American community, where individuals are approximately twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia,” Alston-Allison said in the organization’s announcement.
The luncheon takes place two days before World Alzheimer’s Day on Sept. 21.
Brain Health and Prevention Take Center Stage
FLHI is also partnering with the INSPIRE-Faith program at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, led by neurologists Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai.
The program emphasizes lifestyle factors associated with brain and overall health, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management and social connections.
The initiative brings prevention-focused health education into faith and community settings while addressing conditions such as dementia, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke.
Luncheon to Feature Music and Special Honors
Radio personality Aundrae Russell of 102.3 KJLH-FM will serve as emcee, with a musical performance by recording artist David Daughtry.
FLHI will also pay tribute to its founding president, Tracey Alston, who died last year.
Dr. Betty Ruth Price, former first lady, co-founder and matriarch of Crenshaw Christian Center, will also be honored during the event.
FLHI Among Organizations Receiving Girls Opportunity Alliance Support
The event comes as FLHI celebrates its selection for support through the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance.
According to the announcement, a total of $500,000 will be distributed among 10 organizations working to empower girls, with FLHI among the selected recipients.
FLHI is currently led by second-generation co-executive directors Marquisé Alston-Allison and Taylor Alston-Cleveland, alongside co-founder and National Chair Jamell Meeks of Salem Baptist Church in Chicago and Los Angeles Chair Crawford.
The organization also acknowledged support from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Healthy Mind Initiatives, Black Girl Vitamins and The Ritz-Carlton.
For additional information, visit First Ladies Health Initiative.
Central Florida News
Orlando International Fashion Week 2026 Opens Early Bird Pass Sales for November Runway Shows
Published
1 month agoon
September 15, 2026OIFW returns Nov. 8-15 with fashion, entertainment and cultural events across Orlando, culminating in a runway weekend at Caribe Royale Orlando.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orlando International Fashion Week is opening early bird access for its Fall 2026 “The Shows Pass,” giving guests an opportunity to secure admission to the event’s final weekend runway experiences before individual show tickets go on sale.
Orlando International Fashion Week, or OIFW, returns Nov. 8-15, 2026, with a week of fashion, art, music, entertainment, runway shows and cultural experiences throughout Orlando.
Select events will be invitation-only, while public ticketed programming will be offered throughout the week. The celebration will culminate with runway programming at Caribe Royale Orlando, the host hotel for OIFW’s final weekend experiences.
Early Bird Shows Passes
The Shows Pass is designed for guests seeking early access to OIFW’s featured runway experiences during the final weekend.
Early bird options include:
- 2-Day General Access — Nov. 14-15: $275
- 2-Day Preferred Access — Nov. 14-15: $425
- 2-Day Front Row Access — Nov. 14-15: $650
- 3-Day Front Row Access — Nov. 13-15: $750
Two-day passes include access to featured OIFW runway experiences on Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15, at Caribe Royale Orlando.
Select three-day pass options also include FEN Social on Friday, Nov. 13, at Society Orlando, along with the final weekend runway experiences.
Individual show tickets are expected to be released at a later date.
Fashion, Entertainment and Tourism Come Together
“Orlando International Fashion Week continues to grow as a platform where fashion, entertainment, culture, and tourism come together,” said Rob Henlon, co-founder of Fierce Entertainment Management. “The Shows Pass gives our audience a first opportunity to be part of the final weekend experience as we prepare to announce more designers, models, featured guests, vendors, and special programming.”
OIFW is a Fierce Entertainment initiative produced and coordinated by Fierce Entertainment Management LLC.
Fall 2026 Model Casting Set for Sept. 26-27
Ahead of fashion week, OIFW will hold its Fall 2026 Model Casting on Sept. 26-27 in continued collaboration with the Global Peace Film Festival.
The casting will give models an opportunity to be considered for fashion, media, festival, promotional, live-event and runway opportunities connected to the Global Peace Film Festival and OIFW’s November 2026 shows.
Fierce Entertainment Management will manage and coordinate the casting.
Vendor Opportunities Available
Vendor opportunities are also available for select Fall 2026 events, including FEN Social at Society Orlando and the OIFW runway weekend at Caribe Royale Orlando.
Participation is subject to approval, space availability, venue guidelines and production needs.
Additional designers, models, featured guests, performers, vendors, partners and special experiences will be announced as details are finalized.
Early bird Shows Passes are available through the Orlando International Fashion Week official website.
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