Alfre Woodard supports the Sundance Institute by presenting them with the ACLU/SC's 2009 Bill of Rights Award
The American
Civil Liberties Union of Southern California (ACLU/SC) recently held its 2009 Bill of Rights Awards where Steve Schnur (Artwerk
Music Group), Maria Elena Durazo (AFL-CIO), and Robert Redford, Michelle Satter and Cara Mertes (The Sundance Institute) was
honored. The award is for people who have promoted civil liberties and civil rights through distinguished work.
"I love supporting the ACLU," said Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award
winning actress Alfre Woodard (CBS' "Three Rivers") about coming out to present The Sundance Institute with the
ACLU/SC 2009 Bill of Rights Award - along with actress Sally Fields (ABC's "Brothers and Sisters") and film director
Rodrigo Garcia ("The Sopranos"). "They asked me. I have a history with them serving twice as judge at the (film)
labs."
The Sundance Institute, headed by Robert Redford, Michelle Satter, Cara Mertes and the leadership
at the institution, flourishes and nurtures creative artists in film, theater and film music. The ACLU/SC feels that its atmosphere
raises public consciousness and sheds light on civil liberties. They point out that most of Robert Redford's films explore
special justice themes and his documentaries take up the causes of native rights and the public's right to a healthy environment.
The Sundance Institute is currently the world's most important venue for independent feature and documentary filmmakers.
Founding director of Feature Film Programs, Michelle Satter, is the architect of the programs that have been supporting filmmakers
for 25 years. Cara Mertes is an award-winning filmmaker and executive producer who lead the Sundance Documentary Program,
and Fund.
"Ten to twelve (films), out of a thousand (are picked)... they get to work on their films,"
said Woodard about the process.
Steve Schnur has been a visionary pioneer in music for digital platforms
such as videogames. Schnur, chairman of the Grammy Foundation, promotes pushing creative boundaries, mentoring, empowerment,
education of children and civil rights. Maria Elena Durazo is the daughter of a Mexican farm worker who helped to turn her
union, Unite-Here Local 11, into the most active union in Los Angeles County. She made history when she became the first Latina
elected to the executive board of Here International Union, as general vice president.
The Hollywood event
was emceed by actress Olivia Wilde (Fox's "House"). Maria Elena Durazo was presented with the Eason Monroe Courageous
Advocate Award and Randy Jackson (American Idol) presented Steve Schnur with his SCLU/SC 2009 Bill of Rights Award.
For
more on the ACLU of Southern California log onto
www.ACLU-SC.org.
(Photo Credit: Eunice Moseley) Boney
James is in a class by himself with new project ‘Send One Your Love'
"I wanted to do something different," award winning saxophonist Boney James said about his new CD "Send One
Your Love" (Concord Records). "Normally I let it flow, this time I had a concept in mind. The saxophone is a sexy
instrument so I knew I wanted to record some of the greatest love songs. I'm a child of the 70's...make-out songs!"
That's exactly what Boney gives on his 12th solo album. Credited for helping to create
Contemporary Jazz, James has sold over 3 million CDs and garnered a Soul Train Award, three Grammy Award nominations and a
NAACP Image Award nomination for is music. On "Send One Your Love" you get that Boney Jazz style sax playing on
such selections as the Stevie Wonder title track.
"I'm just
doing my best to make music," Boney pointed out. "I'm a Contemporary person too. I love R&B and I love the sax."
The combination was a winner from the start. Eight of his solo releases
reached number one on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts. He has appeared as a guest on projects for Mary J Blige, Faith
Evans, George Benson, Anthony Hamilton, Jaheim and Angie Stone - just to name a few.
My favorite cuts on the CD include "I'll Be Good to You" because Boney takes off on it and it is supported
by some sweet piano playing thanks to Tim Carmon; "Wanna Show You Somethin'" is written by Boney James; "Hold
on Tight" for its smooth romantic sound that is supported by the piano and the electrical guitar - played by Agape; "Stop,
Look, Listen (to your heart)" because I love the way his sax sings the lyrics and again I love the awesome support of
the piano, and I love his version of James Taylor's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," which has some outstanding
vocal support from Quinn.
Get updated concert information and heard
a little from the "Send One Your Love" CD at www.BoneyJames.com and www.myspace.com/boneyjamesmusic.
