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Chippendales Announce Worldwide “Welcome to the Chippendales Tour”

December 4, 2023 – New York, NY – After a triumphant return to the stage this fall, Chippendales have announced the “Welcome to the Chippendales Tour” in what will be their first world tour since 2019. The announcement comes on the heels of the highly successful September show at the Hard Rock Atlantic City featuring celebrity guest host Vinny Guadagnino from the hit MTV show “Jersey Shore” and “Jersey Shore Family Vacation.” Chippendales’ hit return to the stage was followed by another acclaimed performance last month at the prestigious Thunder Valley Resort in California.

Following the two massive successes, Chipendales will perform at additional Hard Rock properties in 2024, including Hard Rock Cincinnati (March 29-30) and Hard Rock Northern Indiana (April 5-6). Tickets for both shows are on sale now, with more U.S. dates to be announced shortly. European dates include stops in cities across the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, and Germany, which are also currently on sale.

Head of Universal Attractions Agency casino department and Chippendales agent Joel Brandes spoke on the excitement surrounding the Chippednales’ return to the stage, saying: “The response has been incredible. With all the girls screaming, you would’ve thought that The Beatles were on stage. The two Hard Rock shows have been a massive hit, and we look forward to having them back in 2024!”

Michael Woodside, VP of Entertainment and Marketing at Hard Rock Atlantic City, also praised the Chippendales’ return, adding: “Hard Rock Atla

ntic Cityis excited to continue its partnership with the Chippendales organization. Their residency this past September brought an incredible level of energy to our resort.”

Lastly, Chippendales Production Tour Manager Danielle Pearson also spoke on the excitement surrounding the upcoming tour, adding: “We are thrilled to hit the road once again with our all-new bigger, better, and bawdier production. In addition to our upcoming U.S. tour dates, we are especially grateful to return to Europe, where many of our ticket holders from our 2020 tour canceled due to COVID, opted to hold on to their tickets and wait for our return versus asking for a refund. We have the best fans!”

 For more information and a complete list of tour cities scheduled for 2024, visit Chippendales.com.

 

About Universal Attractions: 

In business since 1945, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) boasts locations in the heart of New York City and Los Angeles. The agency’s celebrated history includes launching the career of the legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for more than 40 years, in addition to a truly jaw-dropping list of talent on its rosters, including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Smokey Robinson, and the Miracles, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, the Staples Singers, The Grateful Dead, Sepultura, Salt-N-Pepa, Coolio, Naughty By Nature, The Jacksons, New Edition, MC Hammer, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and so many more. 

UAA has proven itself as an industry leader among talent agencies, continuing to help direct the careers of some of the most prominent artists, comedians, and entertainers of today. To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website.

Kelly Price Signs Exclusively with Universal Attractions Agency

October 23, 2023 – New York, NY – Universal Attractions Agency is proud to announce that nine-time Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Kelly Price has signed exclusively with Universal Attractions Agency. UAA partner Adam Zagor will act as Responsible Agent.

Kelly Price is best known for her platinum-selling 1998 debut album “Soul of a Woman” featuring the hit single “Friend of Mine.” Over her three-decade career, Kelly Price has also collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Mary J. Blige, Elton John, Puff Daddy, The Isley Brothers, and more. Other career highlights include her contributions to generational hits, such as singing the chorus on “Mo Money Mo Problems” by The Notorious B.I.G. and contributing the backing vocals to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

Speaking on signing exclusively with Universal Attractions Agency, Kelly Price said: “Music is in such a unique place right now, and the R&B genre is experiencing a rebirth of sorts. UAA has been a support for artists of all genres for decades and understands the nuances and necessities for talent when it’s time to hit the road. I’m excited about my new chapter in music, which includes my new partnership with UAA! It’s tour time, and I can’t wait to see all of my fans and supporters in their cities very soon!”

Responsible Agent Adam Zagor added: “I have been a fan of Kelly Price for years, and I am excited to be working more closely with her. I look forward to booking dates for Kelly as she celebrates 25 years of her debut album, “Soul of a Woman.”

In addition to her longstanding music career, in recent years, Kelly Price has entered the world of acting with roles in the T.V. series “Saints and Sinners,” “American Soul,” and “A La Carte.”

About Universal Attractions: 

In business since 1945, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) boasts locations in the heart of New York City and Los Angeles. The agency’s celebrated history includes launching the career of the legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for more than 40 years, in addition to a truly jaw-dropping list of talent on its rosters, including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Smokey Robinson, and the Miracles, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, the Staples Singers, The Grateful Dead, Sepultura, Salt-N-Pepa, Coolio, Naughty By Nature, The Jacksons, New Edition, MC Hammer, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and so many more. 

UAA has proven itself as an industry leader among talent agencies, continuing to help direct the careers of some of the most prominent artists, comedians, and entertainers of today. To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website.

AFM: Chuck Norris, Vanilla Ice, Sophie Monk Board ‘Zombie Plane’ (Exclusive)

The nostalgia-soaked action-comedy — about a government organization that recruits celebrities to be undercover agents — will feature a number of cameos.

 

The unlikely trio of 1980s action hero Chuck Norris, 1990s pop star Vanilla Ice and Australian singer-turned-actress Sophie Monk have joined the action-comedy Zombie Plane from Australian production and distribution banner Radioactive and U.S. production company Entertainment Squad (a subsidiary of Studio Dome).

Zombie Plane centers on a secret government organization that recruits celebrities to be undercover agents, who together must save humanity from an imminent zombie attack. Norris, Ice and Monk play themselves (actually, Norris plays Commander Chuck Norris, who mentored and trained Ice into becoming a deadly secret agent), but the feature is reportedly full of celebrity cameos, with a ’90s pop soundtrack including tracks by Ice himself.

Directed by Lav Bodnaruk and Michael Pier of Chop Shop Post (a post-production and VFX house whose recent work includes Paramount+’s Last King of the Cross and Amazon’s Trope), the film was shot earlier this year in Australia with the support of Screen Australia.

“Audiences can expect a wild ride,” said producer and Radioactive managing director Jessica Butland (Ruby’s Choice, The Red). “Vanilla Ice is in his element as secret agent and Chuck Norris having trained him is excellent and it just works.”

Added executive producer and Entertainment Squad founder Shaked Berenson (Turbo KidTales of Halloween): “Zombie Plane uses comedy, the zombie genre and ’90s nostalgia as a vehicle, to comment on pop-culture as much as it feeds it, creating unforgettable one-liners and situational comedy ‘to the extreme.’”

Studio Dome will launch international sales at the upcoming American Film Market in November.

How Rick Ross Became The ‘Biggest Boss’ In Business As Owner Of Nearly 30 Wingstop Locations

How Rick Ross Became The 'Biggest Boss' In Business As Owner Of Nearly 30 Wingstop Locations

Photo Credit: Aaron Davidson

Rick Ross is a multi-faceted boss.

Over the years, the rapper-turned-businessman has been making lucrative moves across real estate, cannabis, restaurants, health care and more, as previously shared by AFROTECH.

The biggest boss himself is pulling up to AFROTECH Conference 2023, held from Nov. 1-5, as the headliner of the music stage in Austin, TX.

“Being the headliner at AFROTECH Conference Music is more than just a performance to me,” Rick Ross told AFROTECH. “It’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation of hustlers, creators, and innovators. It’s a chance to showcase the power of hard work, dedication, and staying true to your dreams.”

Fellow artists include DJ Hunny Bee, DJ Spin, and Soulection.

To learn more about how to attend Rick Ross’ performance at AFROTECH Music and snag your ticket to AFROTECH Conference 2023, click here.

One of Rick Ross’ numerous endeavors has been purchasing Wingstop franchises, which he has been doing since 2011. Rick Ross’ first Wingstop franchise was opened in Memphis, TN.

“After tasting Wingstop’s signature Lemon Pepper-flavored wings in Miami, I knew this was a franchise I wanted to add to my investments,” Rick Ross explained in a press statement.

“It’s time for us to make it happen in Memphis,” he said, per QSR Magazine. “With Wingstop, we are bringing in the food I like and adding jobs to the community. It’s a double win.”

After over a decade of securing locations of the popular American international chain, Rick Ross has nearly 30 of them under his belt, according to Mobile Cuisine. The venture has proven lucrative for him as it’s reported that the stores’ generated sales make him $200,000 annually, as AFROTECH previously reported.

Rick Ross has also made his ownership of Wingstop locations into the start of a family legacy. In 2021, he bought a Wingstop franchise and gifted it to his son, William L. Roberts III, for his 16th birthday.

Rick Ross’ entrepreneurship is now being taught. As AFROTECH has shared with you, a fall semester course is offered at Georgia State’s College of Law.

“When I began my research on Ross, I realized early on that my students would learn about a businessman who turned his love of music into an empire that includes massive real estate holdings, food and beverage franchises, investments in the car and bike industry, literary works and corporate equity ownership,” Professor Mo Ivory, director of the college’s Entertainment, Sports & Media Law Initiative, said according to Fox 5 Atlanta, GA.

 

 

Hip-Hop Legend Doug E. Fresh Drops a Beat to Support Redesign of McCormick® Herbs & Spices

An Exclusive Song by “The World’s Greatest Entertainer, The Original Human Beatbox,” Doug E. Fresh is Celebrating the Brand’s First Bottle Redesign in Nearly 40 Years and the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop

HUNT VALLEY, Md.Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Hip-Hop icon and beatboxing pioneer Doug E. Fresh and the McCormick® brand today released an original song and accompanying music video to celebrate two milestones – the brand’s first bottle redesign in nearly 40 years and the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. A Hip-Hop Hall of Fame inductee and BET Hip-Hop Awards Icon honoree, Fresh delivers an original song featuring bold, sizzling beats in the kitchen, the pop of the new SnapTight™ lid snapping, along with lyrics to savor.

Travis Porter Signs Exclusively with Universal Attractions Agency

June 26, 2023 – New York, NY – Universal Attractions Agency is proud to announce that Atlanta hip-hop trio Travis Porter has signed exclusively to UAA, with Adam Zagor acting as Responsible Agent.

 

This Friday, June 30, Travis Porter will release the lead single from their forthcoming LP titled “Streets R US.” The single, “Big God,” will feature longtime collaborator Waka Flocka Flame. Recently, Travis Porter has also been a mainstay on the “Millennium Tour: Turned Up Edition,” where the trio has performed their club hits alongside other popular hit makers of the era, including Bow Wow, Ying Yang Twins, and Bobby V.

 

Speaking on Travis Porter signing exclusively with Universal Attractions Agency, Adam Zagor said: “I am really excited to work more closely with Travis Porter. I believe Travis Porter are only scratching the surface of their full potential, and I look forward to helping grow their careers.”

 

Travis Porter are best known for their hit singles “Bring It Back” and “Make It Rain,” along with a prolific string of mixtapes, including “Who Is Travis Porter?” Travis Porter has also frequently collaborated with Waka Flocka Flame and made guest appearances on projects from numerous high-profile southern hip-hop artists, such as Future, Gucci Mane, and Juicy J.

About Universal Attractions: 

In business since 1945, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) boasts locations in the heart of New York City and Los Angeles. The agency’s celebrated history includes launching the career of the legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for more than 40 years, in addition to a truly jaw-dropping list of talent on its rosters, including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Smokey Robinson, and the Miracles, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, the Staples Singers, The Grateful Dead, Sepultura, Salt-N-Pepa, Coolio, Naughty By Nature, The Jacksons, New Edition, MC Hammer, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and so many more. 

UAA has proven itself as an industry leader among talent agencies, continuing to help direct the careers of some of the most prominent artists, comedians, and entertainers of today.  To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website.

 

Jackson Stone Promoted to Agent at Universal Attractions Agency

May 30, 2023, New York, NY – Universal Attractions Agency is proud to announce the promotion of Jackson Stone to agent based out of the New York office. Jackson will represent Universal Attractions as the East Coast small-capacity (1,500 and under) agent. Prior to his promotion, Jackson was an assistant at UAA to three senior agents.

At Universal Attractions, Jackson works with the acclaimed neo-soul artist Bilal and is Co-RA to Rob Base with agency owner Jeff Epstein. 

On the promotion to agent, Jeff Epstein said: “Jackson is a shining star at UAA; through his time as an assistant, he has been tenacious, dedicated, and consistent. We are confident that Jackson will continue to excel as he represents Universal Attractions as our new East Coast  small-capacity agent.” 

Jackson Stone initially joined Universal Attractions in July 2022, joining the agency shortly after receiving his bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of Michigan. Throughout his college years, Jackson began consistently attending concerts and live music events, where he discovered his passion to pursue a career in the music industry.

 

About Universal Attractions: 

In business since 1945, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) boasts locations in the heart of New York City and Los Angeles. The agency’s celebrated history includes launching the career of the legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for more than 40 years, in addition to a truly jaw-dropping list of talent on its rosters, including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Smokey Robinson, and the Miracles, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, the Staples Singers, The Grateful Dead, Sepultura, Salt-N-Pepa, Coolio, Naughty By Nature, The Jacksons, New Edition, MC Hammer, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and so many more. 

UAA has proven itself as an industry leader among talent agencies, continuing to help direct the careers of some of the most prominent artists, comedians, and entertainers of today.  To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website.

“I Love the 90’s Tour,” headlined by Vanilla Ice and featuring Treach, Mark McGrath, Tone Loc, Rob Base, All 4 One, Color Me Badd, Young MC & more, kicks off May 13

New York, NY (May 4, 2023)–Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) announces the seventh summer “I Love the ‘90s Tour,” headlined by Vanilla Ice, and featuring top hitmakers of the 90’s decade including Treach of Naughty By Nature, Tone Loc, Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, Rob Base, All 4 One, Color Me Badd, Young MC, Blackstreet, Kid N Play, Montell Jordan, Sugarhill Gang, DJ Jazzy Jeff, C+C Music Factory Featuring Freedom Williams, Tag Team, 2 Live Crew, DJ Kool, and Young MC.  The 23-city U.S. and Canadian tour will include a rotating lineup, kicking off at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT on May 13.  All U.S. dates will be presented by SiriusXM’s ‘90s on 9.

 “I Love The ‘90s Tour,” this year’s arena-sized dance party, will bring the era’s biggest stars to such cities as Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, and more, where fans can expect to hear such mega-hits as Ice, Ice Baby,” “O.P.P,” “I Wanna Sex You Up,” “Funky Cold Medina,” “It Takes Two,” “I Swear,” and “This Is How We Do It.”  Since the tour’s inception, the ongoing, revolving lineup of ‘90s icons performing the era’s biggest hits has sold millions of tickets, selling out amphitheaters and arenas nationwide. 

 Says Jeff Epstein of Universal Attractions Agency (UAA), also co-owner and co-architect of the tour, “We started this seven years ago, and the fans just want more and more.  We are happy to deliver! Thank you to all of the promoters who keep presenting the tour and all the fans who continue to support it!” 

 The blockbuster throwback tour originally launched in 2016, and was “an instant hit,” according to Rolling Stone. With more than 325 tour dates since its launch, it continues to be a fan favorite time and time again, landing it on Pollstar’s “Top-Grossing Tours” list ahead of some of today’s biggest acts, in its inaugural tour. Says E! Online, “Whether you are a ’90s kid that wants to relive the music of your youth or a music junkie that wants to experience the iconic era, this … immersive dance party is the perfect event for you.”

 To purchase tickets for the tour, visit www.ilovethe90stour.com;  For official tour merchandise and fax experiences visit www.90smerch.com

“I LOVE THE 90’S” – 2023 TOUR DATES (check local listings for artist lineups):

5/13/23        Mohegan Sun                                                     Uncasville, CT

5/26/23        SOAK Pool at Palms Casino Resort                 Las Vegas, NV       

5/27/23        Los Angeles County Fair                                   Pomona, CA

6/2/23          The Mill                                                               Terre Haute, IN

6/2/23          The Grand Casino Hinckley                               Hinckley, MN

6/3/23          The Grand Casino Hinckley                                Hinckley, MN

6/10/23        Fraze Pavilion                                                        Kettering, OH

6/16/23        Abbotsford Centre                                                Abbotsford, BC

6/17/23        Seven Feathers Casino                                         Canyonville, OR

6/24/23        Mari Showroom at Paragon Casino Resort         Marksville, LA

7/6/23          The Cove at River Spirit Casino                                 Tulsa, OK

7/7/23          The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory                        Irving, TX

7/8/23          Concrete Street Amphitheater, Pavilion Stage           Corpus Christi, TX

7/15/23        Plymouth Motor Speedway                                        Plymouth, IN

7/21/23        Ocean Casino                                                              Atlantic City, NJ

7/22/23        Delaware State Fair                                                     Harrington, DE

7/25/23        Explore Edmonton, K-Days Main Stage                  Edmonton, AB

7/28/23        Grey Eagle Event Center                                           Calgary, AB

7/29/23        Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede                  Medicine Hat, AB

8/4/23          Liberty Bank Amphitheater                                        Alton, IL 

8/25/23        Guaranteed Rate Field                                               Chicago, IL

8/31/23        Oregon State Fair                                                        Salem, OR

9/23/23        Bloomsburg Fair                                                         Bloomsburg, PA

 

About Universal Attractions: 

In business since 1945, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) boasts locations in the heart of New York City and Los Angeles. The agency’s celebrated history includes launching the career of the legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for more than 40 years, in addition to a truly jaw-dropping list of talent on its rosters, including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Smokey Robinson, and the Miracles, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, the Staples Singers, The Grateful Dead, Sepultura, Salt-N-Pepa, Coolio, Naughty By Nature, The Jacksons, New Edition, MC Hammer, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and so many more. UAA has proven itself as an industry leader among talent agencies, continuing to help direct the careers of some of the most prominent legendary artists and contemporary entertainers such as Ashanti, Doug E Fresh, Fred Hammond, K. Michelle, Keith Sweat, Flo Rida, Ja Rule, Mary Mary, Marsha Ambrosius, Morris Day & The Time, O-Town, Stephanie Mills, T.I., Tone Loc, The Jacksons, The Stylistics, Treach of Naughty by Nature, UB40, Vanilla Ice, Will Downing and such packages that include “Hip Hop 50 Tour”, “Lost 80’s Live Tour”, “Pop 2000 Tour”, “The 70’s Soul Jam” “The I Love the 90’s Tour”, and many many more.

 To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website.

“Bust a Move” by Young MC Powers Up

Wednesday is 80’s night on “The Masked Singer,” and the show is bringing out a 1980s superstar to make it official.

In the exclusive video clip above, Grammy Award-winning rapper Young MC has everybody dancing, as he performs his 1989 hit “Bust a Move.” Back in the day, the song peaked at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for 39 weeks and 20 weeks in the top 40 — and obviously became a dance party staple, unless you don’t know what to do (just bust a move).\

While Young MC was rocking the crowd, of course he back-up dancers started break dancing – I mean it is 80’s night after all.

And just in case you missed last week’s episode, we finally got to see the identities of Fairy and Axolotl. You might remember, Ken Jeong was convinced Fairy was Jennifer Anniston, but it turned out it was “21 Jump Street” actor Holly Robinson Peete — so, we have to give Jeong a little credit when he pointed out the significance of the number 21.

As for Axolotl, the judges were on the right track thinking she was an athlete – it was WWE superstar Alexa Bliss. She admitted to TheWrap she got some advice from a member of NSYNC when she decided to join the show.

This season’s “The Masked Singer” contestants are very accomplished, with a combined 28 Emmy Nominations, six Grammy Wins, 10 Gold Albums, four Golden Globe Nominations, five Medals, 26 Books, two Tony Award Nominations, five Lifetime Achievement Awards, four Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a combined 95,231,000 records sold.

The Masked Singer” airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.

By: Joshua Vinson

About Universal Attractions Agency / UAA: 

Celebrating 80 years in the music business and founded in 1945 by Ben Bart, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) is a leading talent agency headquartered in New York City. With a rich history that includes launching the career of legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for over 40 years, UAA has been at the forefront of the entertainment industry for decades. 

Today, UAA continues to guide the careers of prominent artists and entertainers. The agency represents over 250 artists, facilitates performances worldwide, and maintains its status as an industry leader. 

UAA’s commitment to personalized attention and professionalism has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner in the entertainment sector, consistently adapting to the evolving landscape of the live music and entertainment industries. 

To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website. 

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