Entertainment
“Out of This World: The Missy Elliott Experience Blasts Off in Orlando with Ciara, Busta Rhymes, and Timbaland!”
Published
2 years agoon
The evening kicked off with Timbaland, whose beats and innovative production style, characterized by unconventional rhythms, intricate beats, and creative sound design, have had a lasting impact on different genres of music. Initially, the arena was only half-filled, likely due to the rain that started just as doors opened. However, Timbaland’s dynamic classics like “The Way I Are” and “Promiscuous” soon had the crowd buzzing as the seats filled up.
Ciara followed with an electrifying performance that showcased her exceptional talent. Hits like “1, 2 Step” and “Level Up” turned the Kia Center into a high-energy dance floor, attracting fans who had arrived a bit later and filling the seats that were previously empty.
The crowd was then treated to a nostalgic blast with Busta Rhymes and Spliff Star. Despite performing most of their set without background dancers, their explosive energy and rapid-fire lyrical delivery, with tracks like “Break Ya Neck” and “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check,” kept the audience fully engaged.
A surprise twist came when local Florida rap icon Trina aka the Diamond Princess made a surprise appearance halfway through Missy Elliott’s set. As one of the most influential female rappers in the music industry, her unexpected entrance added a thrilling element to the evening, electrifying the crowd and elevating the night’s energy even further.
Missy Elliott’s set was a masterclass in showmanship, featuring hits that had the crowd going wild including “Sock it 2 Me”, Get Ur Freak On,” Pass That Dutch and “Work It”. A standout moment came during her performance of “She’s a B*,” where Missy dazzled in her iconic puffy billowy outfit, adding a visual spectacle to the energetic performance.
Adding an extra layer of intimacy to her already phenomenal performance, Missy Elliott surprised fans by coming off stage and venturing into the crowd. This impromptu move allowed fans who were further away from the stage to experience a close-up encounter they hadn’t anticipated. Missy’s personal touch and interaction with the audience created unforgettable moments and brought an extra spark to her set.
Midway through the performance, the audience was treated to “Touch IT,” which brought out Busta Rhymes for an epic collaboration. The night reached its peak with Missy’s collaboration with Timbaland, Ciara, Busta Rhymes, and Trina closing with the explosive “Lose Control.” The synchronized light show from the wristbands turned the venue into a dazzling spectacle.
As the final notes of “Lose Control” rang through the Kia Center, it was evident that despite the rainy start to the evening this was a night that transcended the ordinary. This tour delivered an interstellar fusion of innovative technology and stellar talent, creating a concert experience that was truly out of this world. Fans left the arena with their spirits lifted and memories that felt like they had just journeyed to another galaxy of musical brilliance.
____________________________________
Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Entertainment
Florida Strawberry Festival Announces 2027 Lineup Featuring Becky G, Shaboozey, 38 Special and more
Published
24 hours agoon
November 13, 2026
The March 4–14 festival in Plant City will feature country, rock, pop and faith-based performers, with advance admission and concert tickets available beginning Dec. 10.
PLANT CITY, Fla. (FNN) — Becky G, Shaboozey, 38 Special, Styx and Train are among the performers announced for the 2027 Florida Strawberry Festival, which runs March 4–14 in Plant City.
The Wish Farms Soundstage lineup brings together established favorites and emerging performers across country, rock, pop, R&B and faith-based music. Other scheduled acts include The Oak Ridge Boys, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, Charlie Wilson and Jamey Johnson.
“A Timeless Tradition”
The festival’s 2027 theme, “A Timeless Tradition,” celebrates its connection to generations of families and visitors.
Florida Strawberry Festival President Kyle Robinson said the entertainment schedule reflects that connection while offering a variety of musical styles.
“From longtime favorites to some of today’s most exciting artists, there is something for everyone to enjoy,” Robinson said in the announcement.
Country fans can catch Lorrie Morgan, Max McNown and Hudson Westbrook with McCoy Moore. The Roots & Boots show will feature Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye and Aaron Tippin.
Rock performances include Styx, 38 Special and Grand Funk Railroad. Micky Dolenz will present “60 Years of The Monkees,” while Josiah Queen and
Maverick City are also scheduled.
Complete announced headline concert schedule
All dates are in 2027, with times local to Plant City.
| Date | Time | Performer |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, March 4 | 3:30 p.m. | The Oak Ridge Boys |
| Thursday, March 4 | 7:30 p.m. | Styx |
| Friday, March 5 | 3:30 p.m. | Tommy James & The Shondells |
| Friday, March 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Josiah Queen |
| Saturday, March 6 | 3:30 p.m. | Shaboozey |
| Saturday, March 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Max McNown |
| Sunday, March 7 | 6:30 p.m. | Hudson Westbrook with McCoy Moore |
| Monday, March 8 | 3:30 p.m. | Tanya Tucker |
| Monday, March 8 | 7:30 p.m. | Maverick City |
| Tuesday, March 9 | 3:30 p.m. | Roots & Boots featuring Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye and Aaron Tippin |
| Tuesday, March 9 | 7:30 p.m. | Travis Tritt |
| Wednesday, March 10 | 3:30 p.m. | Micky Dolenz: 60 Years of The Monkees |
| Wednesday, March 10 | 7:30 p.m. | 38 Special |
| Thursday, March 11 | 3:30 p.m. | Grand Funk Railroad |
| Thursday, March 11 | 7:30 p.m. | Charlie Wilson |
| Friday, March 12 | 3:30 p.m. | Lorrie Morgan |
| Friday, March 12 | 7:30 p.m. | Becky G |
| Saturday, March 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Jamey Johnson |
| Sunday, March 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Train |
Schedule provided in the festival announcement supplied to FNN.
Tickets go on sale Dec. 10
Advance tickets for festival gate admission and headline concerts go on sale Thursday, Dec. 10, 2026, at 8 a.m. Eastern time.
Tickets will be available through:
- In person: Amscot Main Ticket Office, 2209 W. Oak Ave., Plant City.
- Online: flstrawberryfestival.com.
- Mobile: The Florida Strawberry Festival app.
- Phone: 813-754-1996.
Concert tickets do not include festival gate admission. Guests must also purchase admission to enter the festival. The festival’s official entertainment page confirms the Dec. 10 concert-ticket launch. Florida Strawberry Festival
What’s next?
Fans can review the concert schedule and plan their purchases ahead of the ticket launch. Visit the festival’s official website for current event information and ticket availability.
Stay connected to Florida National News for music, concert and entertainment coverage across Florida.
Entertainment
“4000 Days,” “Frampton” Set for Naples International Film Festival Oct. 24–25
Published
3 weeks 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
2 months 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.
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