Jennifer Holliday Co-Hosts Black 2 Bway Tony Event in June

Black 2: Broadway, the exclusive event celebrating the contributions of performers of color in the arts, continues its second year honoring past Tony Award winners of color, with another all-star event on Sunday, June 11, 2006, 7 p.m. at the world famous Lucille's at B.B. King Blues Club, 237 W. 42nd Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues). Jennifer Holliday, who received a Tony Award for her iconic performance in Dreamgirls, will serve as co-host.

Serving its mission "to create a support structure for the ongoing development and proliferation of talent and new works generated by and produced by people of color," this Black 2: Broadway event will include a meet and greet cocktail hour followed by a viewing on the big screen of the Tony Awards Telecast. During the commercial breaks, there will be selected performances by artists that have either been nominated or are winners of The Tony Award. There will also be a 25th anniversary celebration of Dreamgirls.

In addition to creating the role of Effie Melody White in Dreamgirls, Holliday has appeared on Broadway in Chicago, Grease and Your Arms Are Too Short to Box with God. TV and film appearances include The Rising Place, "Ally McBeal," and "Touched by an Angel."

In addition to live performances Black 2: Works a 501c3 non-profit partner with Black 2: Broadway will be awarding financial grants to Performers of Color with a proven track record in the arts. The winners of the $1000.00 grants will, in turn, mentor young performers of color for one-hour a month, for one year. Black 2: Work will assign the young person.

"On March 10, 2002 Black 2: Broadway launched as New York City's premier event showcasing the talents of performers of color, both known and unknown. In its first year, the Black 2: Broadway stage saw performances by a host of Broadway actors and national recording artists including TV and stage singer-actresses Sheryl Lee Ralph, Phylicia Rashad, and Melba Moore; New York Undercover star, Malik Yoba; R&B/Gospel singers Shirley Murdock, Alyson Williams and Meli'sa Morgan; Broadway and stage veterans Savion Glover, BJ Crosby, Marva Hicks, Ebony Jo-Ann, Tina Fabrique, Victor Cook, Darius de Haas, Lillias White, Billy Porter, Shelton Becton, Jenny Burton, Gordon Chambers, Karl Dixon, Jon Stanley, Ron Grant; recording artists LaChanze, Napiera Groves, Ty Stephens, Phoebe Snow, Andre Smith; and The Broadway Inspirational Voices," state press notes.

"With Black 2: Broadway, B2: Productions partners Sean Hollingsworth and Kevin-Anthony aim to fill the void of opportunities for stage and musical performers and unite those performers with the audiences that enthusiastically want to see them. Black 2: Broadway is the first in a series of events and serves as a model for future activities to be held across the country."

B.B. King Blues Club is located at 237 West 42nd Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues, near Times Square. On Sunday, June 11th doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with the cocktail hour beginning at 7pm and Showtime at 8 p.m. sharp. Ticket prices are $75.00 in advance and $85.00 at the door day of event. This includes passed hors d'oeuvres, buffet, dessert and coffee station. Tickets may be purchased at the B.B. King Blues Club box office, by phone at 212 307-7171, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information on Black 2: Broadway, log on at www.b2productions.xbuild.com.

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