Since its inception in 1960, The Riverside Theatre of Morningside Heights in New York City has aimed to bring a vibrant array of culture, performance, and arts to the surrounding community. Hosting a variety of programs from dance performances to film festivals, Riverside Theatre has provided the public with a multitude of enriching illustrations of fine arts through their remarkable programs. In an effort to commemorate their social contributions and continue their powerful 50-year legacy, The Riverside Theatre will host their second annual “Legacy to Promise” Gala on Monday, September 26th, 2011, at 7:00pm at the prominent Riverside Church of 91Claremont Ave (btw. 120th &122nd St.) in New York City.

 This special event will be hosted by WABC TV correspondent Kemberly Richardson with special guest the honorable Bill Cosby, and will honor legendary stage and screen performer Phylicia Rashad and jazz drummer extraordinaire Roy Haynes for their commendable contributions to the arts throughout the years. The affair will be a night of distinguished celebration for The Riverside Theatre, as they further assert their commitment to enrich their community with an assortment of affordable and inspiring performances, films, festivals and events.

In addition to a special awards presentation by renowned philanthropist, performer and avid Riverside Theatre supporter Bill Cosby, this memorable gala will also feature live performances by Jazz drummer and musical educator Lewis Nash, and bassist and composer Christian McBride. This exciting show will be presented by the event’s Mistress of Ceremonies and ABC Eyewitness News reporter, the lovely Kemberley Richardson.

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On the the heels of the extremely successful IFNY (Independent Films New York) Monologue GRAND Slam, IFNY is back with the IFNY Premiere Screening Series and it brings them great pleasure to present the powerful short films of CHIYORK Productions. In its recent entry to the film production world, Brooklyn-based CHIYORK Productions has not wasted anytime and produced 3 riveting and thought-provoking films; Popous Pane and The Kids He Loves to Hate, Mariposa, and Sydney. CHIYORK has covered a diverse range of topics in their films from coping with sexual assault, race relations in the Hispanic community, and the state of Black fatherhood. Their films also infuse the pulse of Brooklyn into the art, with many of their films filmed in the the heart of the Bedford-Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn. CHIYORK is ready to make their mark on the world and proudly represent the Brooklyn independent film community.

Popous Pane and The Kids He Loves to Hate was one of the top HBO finalists of the prestigious American Black Film Festival, and was aired numerous times on various HBO Channels in 2010.

Friday, June 24th doors will open at 6:30pm in the Spike Lee Screening Room at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus with a cocktail reception to follow until 7:30pm. Films will begin promptly at 7:45pm followed by an introspective Q & A portion with the films directors. Admission for the public is $10/per ticket. Media can register using email below.

Date: Friday, June 24^th, 2011

Time: 6:30pm-9:30pm

Location: Spike Lee Screening Room @ Long Island University – Brooklyn Campus
1 University Plaza Brooklyn, New York 11201 (Cross Street Willoughby St) B, D, N, Q, R Trains to Dekalb Ave

Key Attendees: Derrick Anthony (CHIYORK Writer & Director) Amelia Winfree (CHIYORK Executive Producer) Sherrette Gregg (Writer/Director of Mariposa) Alfred E. Rutherford (Producer/Actor)

Email events@319pr.com for more information!

319 PR CEO God-is Rivera never stays quiet and she’s definitely always busy! Be sure to check out her rants, raves and freelance writing work on her blog “Pink Dreams: Confessions of a PR Butterfly” where she discusses all the ins and outs of being a PR specialist, a married woman, a freelance writer, a business owner, and a mother-to-be! 

Click here to check it out: Pink Dreams

P. Diddy and Don Diva Mag CEO Kevin Chiles

 Two things that Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and Don Diva’s Kevin Chiles have in common is that they are both ingrained in the heart of Harlem’s hip-hop and street culture. Over the last decade both phenomenas have helped to shape urban culture for both music and publishing. This is why it was only fitting that this past week in New York City, both forces joined to celebrate Don Diva Magazine’s 10th Anniversary celebration and P. Diddy’s return to New York City amid his hectic promotion schedule for his group Dirty Money’s upcoming album “Last Train to Paris.”

Sponsored by P. Diddy’s popular vodka Ciroc, the exclusive 10th Anniversary Celebration was a spectacular black-tie affair that took place at the grand event hall The Cathedral of 504 41st St. in New York City.  The décor was the epitome of luxury and decadence with a touch of Harlem swag.  VIP guests were met with a 10-foot plush red carpet rolled out in front of the venue, and just inside the entrance doors sat a dazzling ice sculpture embedded with the “Don Diva Magazine” logo. Over 300 bottles of champagne were popped and just as many bottles of Ciroc were opened as the beautiful ‘Ciroc Girls’ worked their way through the crowd with bottle after bottle. The feeling of celebration was in the air as the 1000+ crowd danced the night away and enjoyed the lavish atmosphere. “Tonight we’re making history,” said Don Diva Magazine CEO Kevin Chiles, “I am proud of how far Don Diva has come, and I’m excited about where we’re going.” 

The pinnacle of the night came as soon as Diddy made his way through the crowd towards the stage draped in a black mink coat and trendy shades; true Diddy style. “I don’t get to get home enough, so this means a lot to me,” Diddy told the cheering crowd during his speech. “Kevin Chiles, I love you, Don Diva I love you, Harlem I love you!” The night was a truly momentous occasion as two Harlem legends, Kevin Chiles and P. Diddy shared the stage and reveled in their success as two prosperous Black men who continue to lead their empires and promote positive examples for the youth of today.

Don Diva Magazine will continue with their commitment to real and raw journalism with Issue # 43 being released on newsstands on Monday, December 13th. The issue features an in-depth article on famed film director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Brooklyn’s Finest), and the true story of major hustler and also Moorish Grand Sheikh Jerry Lewis Bey.

Here’s to another decade of success for Don Diva Magazine!

New Lounge ‘Chocolat’ Launches with an Intimate and Luxurious Private Affair in Harlem on Thurs. Nov 18th

NEW YORK, NY – Restaurateur Leon Ellis proudly announced the opening of a new fine dining experience and lounge called “Chocolat” last Thursday in Harlem. Over 100 guests enjoyed a sophisticated atmosphere, fabulous hors d’oeuvres and cocktails during the soft opening.  In attendance were several of Upper West Side’s most recognized socialites and diverse professionals, from Essence magazine relationship editor and popular blogger Demetria Lucas, to triple threat director, producer and model Sidra Smith.

The event, hosted by Bee Season Consulting, offered distinguished guests a festive evening of music, networking coupled with flirty cocktails and ample samples of appetizers such as chicken satay, bacon-wrapped pan-seared scallops and the highly praised miniature crab cakes. The winning libation of the evening was Chocolat’s signature drink the “Chocolate Martini” a sensual mix of cocoa and vanilla flavored vodka offered to guests upon their arrival.  Invitees were also personally served by the attentive ‘Chocolat’ staff. Headed by Chocolat manager William, servers skillfully navigated platters of tasty appetizers and carafes of white and red wine to guests sprinkled around Chocolat’s stunning illuminated bar positioned in the center of the venue.

Situated on the corner of Frederick Douglas Boulevard and West 120th street, the restaurant reflects a fresh new approach towards Upper West Side dining.  “Chocolat aims to please the eclectic tastes of savvy New Yorkers by offering exotic fresh seafood dishes and yet still remembering to offer some familiar favorites.  It’s also important to remember that ambience does matter, and our patrons can see that we pay special attention to it on every level,” says Ellis.

Boasting an eclectic yet comfortably familiar menu, Chocolat chefs have ingeniously recreated some original recipes from scratch such as classic American Soul favorites such as “Shrimp and Grits” and Beef Short Ribs” while including a focus on tasty seafood recipes such as “Seafood Fradiavolo” and “Red Snapper Filet.”

Chocolat will serve as a fresh new addition to Upper Manhattan, with its versatility and luxurious atmosphere, Chocolat can function as the perfect date night spot, as well as accommodate a private upscale affair. So add some ‘Chocolat’ to your life and be sure to visit this new Westside treasure.

The event, hosted by Bee Season Consulting & 319 PR was a smashing success! So add some ‘Chocolat’ to your life and be sure to visit this new Westside treasure.

Don Diva Magazine 10th Anniversary Black Tie and Red Carpet Affair Hosted by: Diddy and Kevin Chiles! Saturday, December 4, 2010 @ The Cathedral NYC 504 W. 41st Street * NYC Music by DJ LA LUV and DJ S&S..Visit www.dondivamag.com to purchase tickets!

Check out Harlem’s Finest Diddy and Don Diva Mag CEO Kevin Chiles as they talk about the upcoming party of the century!

The Great Women In Music Festival has kicked off their 10th season this October with their ongoing celebration of the many contributions women have made to music and the world. Annually Great Women In Music presents a New York City-based October month-long extravaganza that features legendary as well as up-and-coming female performing artists.
 
This year 319 Public Relations, The Legion Media Group and Great Women in Music will also be featuring a “A Night of New Beginnings” Musical Showcase, hosted by Cassandra Lucas of the R&B duo Changing Faces, and featuring performances by hit R&B group Black Buddafly who will perform their hits “Bad Girl” and “Rock-a-Bye”, and new music from group member Amina Schmahl, as well as performances from upcoming female artists including; Universal Records recording artist Baiyu, the uber-talented Amanda Brown, and new young singing sensation Keymace!

Admission to this event is FREE all night!

Sugar Bar will be offering 2 for 1 drink specials and prix-fixe menu options for $19.95/pp until 7:30pm.

The event will also be sponsored by OoH mY..Cupcakes and Enlightened Pathways Healing Center who will offer fun giveaways and raffles for lucky guests!

Tomorrow Oct. 7th 2010 @ 7pm the multifaceted Great Women In Music Festival will feature New York Times bestselling author Teri Woods at Borders Books at Park Ave & 57th St. For a Booksigning and Storytelling spotlight of Ms. Woods’ newest book Alibi, now in available in paperback, as well as her classics works such as True to the Game.

Join us for a night of literary excitement!

Press contact: G. Rivera 917.504.4866 /info@319pr.com

319 Public Relations is proud to announce they are now partnering with The Legion Media Group! Also based in New York City,  The Legion Media Group was assembled to harness the talents of some of the most creative, insightful, and dedicated professionals in their respective fields, in answer to the ever evolving landscape of media and communications. Their goal: to create comprehensive and insightful strategies, utilizing the ideal media mix, to best convey their client’s message and to help clients identify, manage, publicize and protect their brands. Members of the Legion have dedicated themselves to identifying the client’s goals, and creating effective and efficient ways to help them achieve it. Whether it be idea or icon, start up or bell weather, penny stock or large cap, every client receives a complete 360 approach to their campaign as we meld our talents into one united force behind them moving towards their goals.

The 360 approach takes into account all possible forms of creating public awareness and then the correct ones for each client is decided upon and integrated into the campaign. While adept in many, each member of The Legion specializes in certain areas of creating, and controlling public awareness and perception. It is this specialization and personalization that gives The Legion the ability to create compelling and unique campaigns that not only create awareness, but contribute to the bottom line. But it is also this specialization that gives you not only a Publicist, but a team that is watching every angle of your campaign. Different components coming together on one accord.

We Are Legion, For We Are Many. 

319 PR is excited and proud to be a part of the Legion family!

Great Women in Music Festival’s 10th Anniversary Events: Oct 22. 2010 will be 319 PR’s Client Showcase @ Sugar Bar in NYC!