Monthly Archives: October 2014

Beyond the Lights Premiere’s at 2014 Chicago International Film Festival

bythewoodDirector Gina Prince-Bythewood (pictured left) gives movie goers a look behind the flashing lights of fame with her latest project Beyond the Lights.

Bythewood wrote and directed this film that tells the story of music’s next big star Noni, a bi-racial young women raised by a single mother, who has the voice of an angel. On the verge of succumbing to the pressures of her stardom, Noni meets someone that helps her see who she is and helps her find her true voice.

The film screened during this year’s Chicago International Film and writer, director Bythewood was on hand to discuss how the film came to light in 2007 when she started writing it. Bythewood said Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland served as her inspiration for Noni and the film. She said the messages she hopes people take from the film are to choose life and be true to your002self. The film stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Belle) as Noni, Nate Parker (The Secret Life of Bees), Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting), and Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon).  Beyond the Lights hits theaters on November 14th, 2014.

Photos by Dan Locke

Chris Brown, Jodeci, Jeremih And More Confirmed To Take The Stage During Soul Train Awards 2014

100814-soul-train-awards-show-page-thumbnailCentric announced a lineup of hit-making performers and presenters for Soul Train Awards  2014. Leading the charge for his first Soul Train Awards  performance is the multi-talented Grammy Award winner, Chris Brown, who leads the show with seven nominations. In addition, the reunion we’ve all been waiting for is going down as the platinum selling group Jodeci is scheduled to sing a medley of hits before ending with a sneak peek of their new single, “Nobody Wins.” Chart-topping international fan favorites Aloe Blacc and Nico & Vinz will keep the audience entertained with upbeat performances of their catchy sing-a-long hits. Jeremih, Lisa Stansfield, Kem and Liv Warfield round out the list of rhythm and soul singers set to captivate viewers during this year’s show. Presenters Trey Songz, Boris Kodjoe, Laila Ali and Wolf Blitzer will join host Wendy Williams on stage at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on November 7, 2014. The show airs on CENTRIC and BET Networks on November 30, 2014 at 8PM ET/PT.

This year’s theme will celebrate the history of dance, from the classic Soul Train line and the electric slide, to the Dougie and this year’s breakout, the Nae Nae. To bring the dance theme to life, Soul Train Awards 2014 has brought in award-winning choreographer Fatima Robinson and her 12 seasoned dancers to lead the show.  Additionally, Grammy Award-winning producers 1500 or Nothin’ are back again as music directors for the show and will keep the party rolling throughout the night.

For show information, please visit BET.com/SoulTrain, the official site for Soul Train Awards 2014. Follow Centric on Twitter (@CentricTV), Instagram (@CentricTV) and Facebook.com/CentricTV. Be a part of the Soul Train Awards conversation using #SoulTrainAwards.