Whitney Houston News

Beginning Monday, August 20 at 10 PM ET, TV One introduces R&B DIVAS (formerly 'Ladies of R&B'), a reality series that tells the current, real-life story of five multi-talented, beautiful R&B stars - Faith Evans, Nicci Gilbert, Monifah Carter, Syleena Johnson and Keke Wyatt.

Beginning Monday, August 20 at 10 PM ET, TV One introduces 'R&B Divas' (formerly 'Ladies of R&B'), a reality series that tells the current, real-life story of five multi-talented, beautiful R&B stars - Faith Evans, Nicci Gilbert, Monifah Carter, Syleena Johnson and Keke Wyatt. Having all seen the highs and lows of the music business, these ladies know what it's like to command the spotlight... then see it dim. Now, armed with important life lessons, they're stronger and wiser. However, this time, they're coming together to make a difference.

Antonique Smith, critically acclaimed actress, is amped to conquer the entertainment industry with her solo album, Speechless. Now, fans can be part of Antonique Smith's journey via Kickstarter, an innovative fundraising platform.

Universal Television and NBCUniversal International have signed a development deal with Storyline Entertainment's Craig Zadan and Neil Meron ("Smash," "Chicago," "Hairspray") that will give the studio a first look at series and specials created by the acclaimed multi-award winning producers for US and international television markets.

The countdown to Profiles in History's July auction begins. Run by Joe Maddalena, Profiles in History has announced that costumes from Whitney Houston, Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez will be in attendance. Taking place in Los Angeles, The Dreier Collection will be auctioned off today, July 28th, the Animation Auction will be July 29th and the Treasures from the Hollywood Vaults auction has been moved to July 30th and July 31st.

South Florida's finest talent became superstars on July 21 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Guild's ninth annual Palm Beach Idols. The fundraiser raised approximately $8,800 for the not-for-profit Maltz Jupiter Theatre Paul and Sandra Goldner Conservatory of the Performing Arts.

Today, July 24th, award-winning keyboardist/composer/author Kevin Toney releases an inspired project that blends traditional acoustic jazz trio music with the compositional expanse of classical movements. Titled New American Suite, the album introduces the artist's dynamic new group, The Kevin Toney 3 (a.k.a. "KT3" featuring Kevin Toney on piano, Michael Bradford on bass and Chris Coleman on drums).

On Monday, August 13, Broadway at Birdland presents multi-Grammy and Tony-nominated composer Frank Wildhorn in his monthly concert series called "Frank & Friends." Joining Frank onstage will be Constantine Maroulis (upcoming star of Jekyll & Hyde), Laura Osnes (Tony nominee/Bonnie & Clyde and upcoming Cinderella), Melissa van der Schyff (Bonnie & Clyde) and Stark Sands (upcoming Kinky Boots).

The countdown to Profiles in History's July auction begins. Run by Joe Maddalena, Profiles in History has announced that costumes from Whitney Houston, Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez will be in attendance. Taking place in Los Angeles, The Dreier Collection will be auctioned off on July 28th, the Animation Auction will be July 29th and the Treasures from the Hollywood Vaults auction has been moved to July 30th and July 31st.

THIS TIME, described as 'an unflinching celebration of six diverse artists living on the flip side of the music industry,' will open in New York at the Quad Cinemas, 34 W. 13 St, on August 10 and in Los Angeles at the Laemmle Noho 7, 5240 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, on August 24.

On July 24th, award-winning keyboardist/composer/author Kevin Toney will be releasing an inspired project that blends traditional acoustic jazz trio music with the compositional expanse of classical movements. Titled New American Suite, the album introduces the artist's dynamic new group, The Kevin Toney 3 (a.k.a. "KT3" featuring Kevin Toney on piano, Michael Bradford on bass and Chris Coleman on drums).

BroadwayWorld.com and Broadway Records are co-sponsoring a liner notes essay contest for the new Jekyll & Hyde studio concept recording. Fans will have the opportunity to submit a 250 to 500 word essay for consideration. Five finalists will be chosen by the staff of BroadwayWorld.com in consultation with Broadway Records. Frank Wildhorn, Constantine Maroulis and Broadway Records will select the Grand Prize Winner who will have his or her liner notes essay will be included in the upcoming recording.

The RRazz Room, San Francisco's premier nightclub, will welcome back CLAYON BRYANT for his new show "Out Of The Shadow" celebrating the release of his debut CD.

Starring Heather Headley as Rachel Marron and Lloyd Owen as Frank Farmer in the roles made famous on film by the late Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, tickets for THE BODYGUARD went on sale on May 1, taking bookings until 27 April 2013 for the production's first booking period. Previews begin on 6 November 2012, twenty years after the release of the Oscar nominated film. Opening night is 5 December. In the video below, go inside the recording studio with Headley, as she sings 'I Have Nothing' from the new show Click below to check it out!

Tonight, July 16, Broadway at Birdland presents multi-Grammy and Tony nominated composer Frank Wildhorn in his monthly concert series called "Frank & Friends." Joining Frank onstage will be gifted Grammy-nominated jazz singer Jane Monheit, and Las Vegas and Cafe Carlyle headliner Clint Holmes.

If any New York cabaret performers staging shows last Wednesday evening (July 11) found their audiences a bit sparse, it's probably Dana Lorge's fault. The endearing and ditzy entertainment diva's final weekly talent showcase at Iguana NYC Restaurant on West 54th Street (just east of the new 54 Below) didn't bring out every cabaret connected person in the city, but it sure seemed that way. And if MAC had a vote for 'Variety Show of the Year,' Lorge's last Iguana presentation would win in a landslide.

Berkeley Playhouse closes its 2011-12 main stage season with a delicious adaptation of Roald Dahl's WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Berkeley Playhouse founding Artistic Director Elizabeth McKoy helms this musical treat, based on Roald Dahl's stylish children's story about the world famous candy man, starring noted Bay Area singer/songwriter, musician, and recording artist Vernon Bush in the title role. Roald Dahl'S WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY plays tonight, July 14 through August 19 at the Julia Morgan Theatre in Berkeley.

Beginning tonight, July 12, and through August 20, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will host the 34th annual Seaside Summer Concert Series at Coney Island and the 30th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series at Wingate Field in Crown Heights.

On Twitter Watch, Heather Headley wrote '"@MzReneeSteadman: @heatherheadley i hope @TheBodyguardUK comes to Broadway, you've been missed!" We will as soon as we perfect it in the UK

Joe's Pub gives you a look ahead at the schedule today, July 9-July 15, including Amanda Holley, Bridget Everett & The Tender Moments, Matt Munisteri, Mary C., Happy Ending Music & Reading Series, Charles Perry, Kalman Balogh Gypsy Cimbalom Trio, Summer & Eve, Batz, Bhi Bhiman, Justin Robinson & The Mary Annettes, Ilusha Tsinadze's Dede Ena, Russian Red with special guest Tulsa, Lori Lieberman, Michael Serveris, and Loose Cattle. See full details below!