We Speak Events
Irene Michaels To Perform As A Special Guest During The Tony Ocean Dance Party At The Taylor Street Festival Friday, August 9th, 2024 8:30 PM
Josie Music Award winner Irene Michaels will be performing as a special guest for the Tony Ocean Dance Party on Friday, August 9th, 2024 at 8:30 PM.
Irene Michaels, a timeless Chicago icon, has captivated audiences for decades with her diverse talents and positive energy. She defies ageism in the entertainment industry with grace, hard work, persistence, and natural talent, continuing to inspire at all ages.
Born in Chicago, Irene’s passion for entertainment began early, leading her to success as a singer, dancer, and model. At 21, she won “Miss Photo Flash,” launching a modeling career and a successful modeling agency.
A champion equestrian since childhood, Irene still rides and competes. She also made her mark in Hollywood, appearing in General Hospital and movies like Home Alone 2 and Killer Klowns From Outer Space.
Irene transitioned into an author and lifestyle blogger with her “ionthescene” brand, exploring beauty, luxury, and entertainment. She created her own beauty line and wrote “I On Beauty,” inspiring many, especially women over 50.
In her late 70s, Irene became a House Music Diva with the hit song “I Like Rain,” which won “Best Pop Song of the Year” at the Josie Music Awards. She signed record deals with TRAX Records and Tribeca Records, earning Grammy nomination consideration and other accolades.
Irene’s live one-woman shows in Chicago and New York sell out. She shares her life stories and inspires audiences. Her social life is vibrant and filled with high society and celebrity events. Reflecting on her journey, Irene invites us all to pursue our passions and let inspiration guide us, just as she has throughout her remarkable life.
In 1992 Maurizio was discovered when he won the runner up prize on the popular TV show Star Search and began his professional career. It was then that he decided to change his singing style from Rock to Pop and his name to TONY OCEAN (from Frank Sinatra’s portrayal of Danny Ocean in the movie Ocean’s 11). His career took a change when he did a Dean Martin impersonation at one of his shows. The owner was so impressed that he paired him with two other artists who impersonated Frank and Sammy Davis, Jr. and a show called ‘The Pack Is Back’ was born. They appeared to sellout crowds for eight months and earned the respect of critics and music lovers while performing at Piper’s Alley, a well-known Chicago nightclub.
Tony Ocean’s upbeat style embodies a time from the past that will be popular as long as we still enjoy the music of Sinatra, Martin, Davis, Darin, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones and others whose romantic songs and lyrics have affected so many of our lives through the years.
Watch Irene Michaels Perform at the Tony Ocean Dance Party at the Taylor Street Festival on Friday, August 9th, 2024. There is a $10 suggested donation.
The official website for the Taylor Street Festival may be found at https://oshows.com/festivals/
The official website for Irene Michaels may be found at https://www.irenemichaels.com
We Speak Events
Uniting Christian Creatives: The Inaugural CLEAN Festival Comes to Accra This December
This December, Accra will host the inaugural CLEAN Festival, a groundbreaking event celebrating the intersection of Christian faith, African culture, and the arts. Scheduled from December 20th to 28th, the festival aims to bring together Christian creatives from across West Africa, the diaspora, and beyond. Through various artistic expressions, attendees will explore their faith while fostering a deeper connection to their heritage.
The vision for the CLEAN Festival is encapsulated in the phrase “Christ’s Creatives Chilling.” It offers a space for creatives to meet, network, and fellowship in a relaxed atmosphere. The initiative also addresses pressing cultural and spiritual trends, particularly among younger generations of African heritage, who are increasingly reconnecting with their traditional roots. While this renewed interest in heritage is enriching, it has sometimes led to religious pluralism or syncretism—a blending of indigenous practices with Christianity. Additionally, there is a misconception that the arts are incompatible with Christianity or African identity, with some even labeling Christianity as “the White Man’s religion.” CLEAN seeks to challenge these narratives by creating a space where attendees can explore the synergy between African culture and Christian faith. The festival also highlights the rich history of Christianity in Africa, demonstrating its deep-rooted presence on the continent.
The festival’s mission includes building a community of Christian creatives, engaging in meaningful conversations about art and Christianity, exploring the relationship between Christianity and African traditions, and showcasing diverse art forms such as fashion, literature, and film. These objectives are woven into the festival’s lineup of key events.
The festival kicks off on December 20th with “Christ and Canvases” at Ten25, a hands-on artistic expression day where participants can enjoy food and painting with a stunning view of the skies. On December 27th, “The Brunch” at Nouveau Accra offers an opportunity to eat, network, and connect with creatives and others interested in art and Christianity. The festival culminates on December 28th with the “Expo” at Jambo, an exhibition and networking event showcasing diverse art forms, including fashion, literature, and film. The Expo will also feature panel discussions and interactive opportunities for attendees to engage with the themes of the festival.
CLEAN will delve into key themes such as Christianity’s presence in public spaces versus its representation in visual arts, addressing why Christian influence is prominent in West African society but less visible in the visual arts. The festival will also foster discussions on integrating African culture and Christian faith without compromising core Christian principles. Additionally, it will explore the historical relationship between Christianity and creativity, drawing inspiration from Western contexts and encouraging a similar narrative for African artists.
CLEAN invites artists, creatives, and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of faith and culture to join this unique movement. For more information and updates, visit the official website.
For inquiries, contact Kweku Bimpong at [email protected] or 0551429835. Stay connected with CLEAN on social media: Instagram, X (@projectcleangh), Facebook (@CleanGH), and LinkedIn.
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