NEWS RELEASE ▪︎ HOST & SPECIAL GUESTS ANNOUNCED FOR THELMA HOUSTON’S “MY MOTOWN MEMORIES & MORE” AT THE FORD THEATRES IN HOLLYWOOD ON AUGUST 27

CHRIS ISAACSON PRESENTS
ANNOUNCES SPECIAL GUESTS
LATIN GRAMMY AWARD NOMINEE QUATTROSOUND
SINGER/TRUMPETER JOHNNY BRITT
AND
COMIC MICHAEL COLYAR
WILL JOIN
THELMA HOUSTON AT THE FORD THEATRES
WHEN
HOUSTON BRINGS HER SHOW
MY MOTOWN MEMORIES & MORE!
TO LOS ANGELES FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27 AT 8PM
THE FORD THEATRES IN HOLLYWOOD
LA’s FRESHEST VENUE!

Chris Isaacson Presents has announced that Latin Grammy Award nominee Quattrosound, singer/trumpeter Johnny Britt, and comic Michael Colyar will be special guests when Grammy Award-winning recording artist and Motown legend Thelma Houston brings her show My Motown Memories & More! to the Ford Theatres in Hollywood for one show only on Sunday, August 27, at 8pm. The evening will be hosted by 102.3 RadioFree KJLH personality Lon McQ.

Singer/ Trumpeter Johnny Britt scored big this year with his trumpet appearances in Oscar and Golden Globe Award-winning film La La Land and the Oscar nominated film soundtrack Hidden Figures. He is signed to Motown Records as the founder/creator/lead singer of his group Impromp2. Britt has toured the world and has recorded with some of the biggest names in the industry. He served as the youngest ever music director for The Temptations which lead to him co-producing the music for the Emmy Award-winning mini-series The Temptations. As a songwriter, Britt has earned three #1 Billboard Singles. His current CD release, Marvin Meets Miles Vol. 1, features eight Marvin Gaye classics along with one original track (“Marvin Meets Miles”), plus two bonus tracks. All songs are performed, arranged, and produced by Britt. His new single “You Sure Love to Ball” features Marcus Miller, Boney James, and Wah Wah Watson. The accompanying video is available worldwide.

Michael Colyar is an LA favorite best known for his performances on Venice Beach. For nine years he has entertained crowds, bringing people together from all parts of the world. His informative and entertaining brand of comedy thrilled audiences for more than nine years, where he was dubbed ‘The King of Venice Beach.’ He was the original host of BET Live From LA, and his point-blank delivery and razor-sharp insight connected to all of the guests that joined him on the couch, as well as over 55 million viewers coast to coast. Colyar won the $100,000 Grand Prize comedy championship on Star Search and donated $50,000.00 to homeless charities in the LA area. In 2000, the city of Venice honored Colyar by placing his shoe prints, handprints, and money grabber in cement for the new Venice Beach boardwalk. He currently stars in a solo stage production that chronicles the life of a comedian, highlighting the importance of his mother’s love and support.

Quattrosound is an innovative acoustic ensemble that skillfully blends classical and jazz training with a wide-range of personal music influences to create a uniquely engaging sound. The four musicians are equally astute at playing a Bach Suite, rocking out to Led Zeppelin, or interpreting a piece by Chick Corea. With violin, cello, guitar, an eclectic selection of percussion instruments, and creative vocal arrangements, Quattrosound produces a vibrant live show. Hailing from Japan, Mexico, Guatemala, and the United States, their music selections are as diverse as their nationalities. Individually these four accomplished musicians have played with the likes of Bocelli, Barbra Streisand, Yo-Yo Ma, Annie Lennox, Michael Jackson, Layla Hathaway, Ricky Martin, and Gloria Estefan. Together, Quattrosound pays homage to the classics and forges a new contemporary sound.

Host Lon McQ began his career in radio over 35 years ago, working at KGFJ, KACE, and KMAX in Los Angeles, KLOM and KTPL in Lompoc, CA. In 1984 he moved to KJLH as morning show host. He was promoted to Operations Manager in 1994 and has served in that capacity ever since. McQ is the epitome of what an on-air personality should be, full of integrity, compassion, and a genuine love for his craft. He was presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Los Angeles by 8th District Councilmember Bernard C. Parks. McQ has also been featured in many publications including Sweet Factory Music Magazine, Upscale Magazine, and the inaugural edition of Who’s Who in Black Los Angeles.

Perhaps best known for her number one international hit “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” Thelma Houston began her career singing for Capitol Records with The Art Reynolds Singers and then as a solo artist. “Sunshower,” her critically acclaimed album composed and produced by Jimmy Webb for ABC/Dunhill Records, was released in 1969 and spawned four popular singles. In 1977, her version of “Don’t Leave Me This Way” for Motown Records soared to number one in the United States and London and became a hit in at least twelve other countries. In her show My Motown Memories & More! Houston takes her audience on a musical and inspirational journey that chronicles her illustrious career. Sharing intimate stories and behind-the-scenes adventures against a tapestry of more than 20 classic Motown hits, Houston performs songs originally recorded by Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, and more, leading up to her iconic Grammy Award–winning number one pop song “Don’t Leave Me This Way.” After 49 years of performing, 23 studio albums, and winning a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Houston continues to celebrate her long and outstanding career. The concert will be directed by Iona Morris and choreographed by Damita Freeman, with musical direction by Darrell Alston.

Chris Isaacson Presents has created, produced, and promoted over 600 events since the company’s founding in 2004. From small clubs to major theatres CIP has presented some of the most influential stars of this generation including Adam Lambert, Lea Michele, Neil Patrick Harris, Jennifer Holliday, Molly Ringwald, Megan Hilty, Erich Bergen, Andy Grammer, Natasha Bedingfield, Taylor Dayne, and Grammy Award-winners Paula Cole, Richard Marx, Sergio Mendes, and more. CIP’s concerts have been featured on Access Hollywood, Extra, KABC’s On the Red Carpet, KTLA Morning News, and in the Los Angeles Times and New York Post. Upcoming CIP events include Jake Simpson (September 28); the fifth annual Broadway Under the Stars (October 7); Richard Shelton (October 12), Tony Award–winner Sam Harris (October 13 & 14), British singer/songwriter Rumer (October 25), and Joey Arias (November 14 & 15). More at www.ChrisIsaacsonPresents.com.

Thelma Houston: My Motown Memories & More! is sponsored by Gelson’s Market and will play one performance only at Ford Theatres on Sunday, August 27, at 8pm. All seats are reserved and ticket prices start at $44. Tickets are available online at www.fordtheatres.org or www.ChrisIsaacsonPresents.com or by phone at (323) 461-3673. To learn about discounts for groups of 10 or more, go to www.fordtheatres.org.

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08-14-17

Thelma Houston. Photo courtesy of Chris Isaacson Presents.

NEWS RELEASE ▪︎ ‘DRAG-TACULAR’ FINALE: “I’VE WRITTEN A LETTER TO DADDY” IN BABY JANE DRAG ▪︎ NOW ON YOUTUBE ▪︎ CELEBRATING RYAN MURPHY’S ANTHOLOGY SERIES “FEUD” ON FX NETWORKS

Chris Isaacson Presents

“I’ve Written a Letter to Daddy”

Dance Performance in Baby Jane Drag

Finale of Drag-Tacular Live Concert Event

Available on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UTGIIMDBpE

Event Celebrating the Premiere of

Ryan Murphy’s New Anthology Series “Feud: Bette and Joan”

on FX Networks  

Capping a weeklong celebration of the premiere of Ryan Murphy’s new anthology series  Feud: Bette and Joan on FX Networks, the Drag-Tacular Live Concert Event, an evening of old Hollywood glamour, took place on Friday, March 3 at Spectra Lounge at Wolfgang Puck (in the Pacific Design Center) in West Hollywood, CA. Special guest host Tony Award-nominee Sam Harris anchored the evening which featured shimmering chanteuse Niki Haris, singer Jake Simpson, Kay-Ta Matsuno’s 10-piece band, DJ Laszlo (Adele, Christina Aguilera, Demi Levato), and special appearances byHeklina, Peaches Christ, and Bianca Del Rio in the LA debut of Whatever Happened to Bianca Del Rio?

The finale featured 24 male and female dancers in Blanche and Baby Jane drag performing to a remixed version of the iconic “I’ve Written a Letter to Daddy” (music by Frank De Vol; lyrics by Bob Merrill) sung by Bette Davis and featuring Shelley Segal, remixed by DJ Laszlo, and choreographed by Penny Wildman under the direction of Christopher G. Ciccone (Madonna’s The Girlie Show). Video is now available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UTGIIMDBpE.

The Drag-Tacular Live Concert Event, coordinated and produced by Chris Isaacson Presents along with associate producers Ronn Goswick and Matthew Herrmann, was attended by an overflow crowd that also enjoyed hors d’oeuvres created by Wolfgang Puck, an open bar featuring lewd libations, and opportunities to travel back to 1962 with Bette and Joan for Instagram-able photo opportunities.

Ryan Murphy’s Feud: Bette and Joan, produced by Fox 21 Television Studios, will air its finale on Sunday, April 23, at 10pm on FX.       

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04-18-17

^{LEAD DANCER: WALKER REDICK. PHOTO BY TONY DiMAIO.}

NEWS RELEASE ▪︎ CHRIS ISAACSON PRESENTS SPRING 2017 SLATE OF ENTERTAINMENT

CHRIS ISAACSON PRESENTS

ANNOUNCES

FULL SLATE OF ENTERTAINMENT FOR SPRING 2017

FEATURING 

HEART & SOUL: 

MUSIC OF WHITNEY HOUSTON, DIONNE WARWICK & DIANA ROSS

STARRING 

SHARON CATHERINE BROWN, NATALIE WACHEN,

 AND TRENYCE COBBINS;

TRIXIE MATTEL IN AGES 3 & UP; 

SHOSHANA BEAN 

(WITH SPECIAL GUEST RUMER WILLIS); 

NIKI HARIS; AND DONNA McKECHNIE

Chris Isaacson Presents has announced a full slate of spring entertainment, beginning with Heart & Soul: Music of Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick & Diana Ross starring Sharon Catherine Brown, Natalie Wachen, and Trenyce Cobbins; and continuing with Trixie Mattel in Ages 3 & Up; Shoshana Bean with special guest Rumer Willis; Niki Haris with special guest Donna De Lory; and Donna McKechnie with special guests Greg Safel and Jeffrey Scott Parsons (previously announced).

Be seduced by three sultry starlets of today — Sharon Catherine Brown, Natalie Wachen, and  American Idol finalist and Grammy Award-nominee Trenyce Cobbins as they capture the awesome Heart & Soul of three musical legends – Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, and Diana Ross. The show features stunning musical arrangements and a larger-than-life montage of rare photos and videos that showcase the lives of these iconic stars. Darrell Alston is music director, Kay-Ta Matsuno is associate music director, and Davy Nathan is the musical arranger. [Martinis Above Fourth in San Diego on Tuesday, April 11, at 8pm and on Saturday, April 15, at 8:30pm Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood.] 

Life in plastic isn’t always fantastic. Don’t believe it? Buckle up as RuPaul’s Drag Race favorite Trixie Mattel spins the last straw into comedy gold with her razor–sharp wit and unmatched style in Ages 3 & Up. From the mundane to the once-in-a-lifetime, Trixie’s point of view breaks the mold. See the world through her iconic, doll–like eyes. [Catalina Bar & Grill on Wednesday, April 12, at 8:30pm.]

Actress and recording artist Shoshana Bean  is a veteran of the Broadway stage having made her debut  in  the  original  cast  of Hairspray and starring as the very first replacement for Elphaba in Wicked. Most recently she appeared as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl and in the pre-Broadway production of the new musical Beaches.  She  has  sold  out  solo concerts around the globe, lent her voice to countless films and television shows, and her music has been featured in television shows on NBC, MTV, Oxygen, Bravo, and Showtime. Special guest Rumer Willis recently starred as Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway. Previously, she released her cover of Britney Spears’ “Toxic,” and she was the Season 20 winner of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. [Catalina Bar & Grill on Friday, April 14, at 8:30pm.]

Recording artist and chanteuse extraordinaire Niki Haris is set to perform a Mother’s Day concert at Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood. Daughter of Grammy Award nominated jazz pianist Gene Haris, Niki has performed on the world’s biggest stages from Carnegie Hall to Wembley Stadium, Lincoln Center to the Staples Center and everywhere in between. Known for her jazz, gospel, and pop vocals she has performed with jazz greats from Stanley Turrentine, Red Holloway, and Ray Charles to pop superstars from Sheryl Crow to Whitney Houston — and most famously as the big voice behind Madonna. Special guest recording artist Donna De Lory has released multiple critically-acclaimed CDs, including Bliss, In the Glow, The Lover and The Beloved, Sky is Open, Sanctuary, Remixes, and most recently, The Unchanging. The show’s music director is Karen Hammack, and the band will feature Rob McDonald on bass, LJ Hollifield on drums, and more to be announced.  [Catalina Bar & Grill on Sunday, May 14, at 7:30pm.]

Tony Award-winning star of A Chorus Line Donna McKechnie is regarded internationally as one of Broadway’s foremost dancing and singing leading ladies. Her Broadway shows include How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Sondheim—A Musical Tribute On the Town, Promises, Promises, Company, and State Fair. Donna has starred in numerous productions in London’s West End including Promises, Promises, Company, No Way to Treat a Lady, Can-Can, and Follies. She starred in Bob Fosse’s last production, the 1987 National Tour of Sweet Charity. Most recently she appeared in Michael John LaChiusa’s The Wild Party in London. Special guests will include Greg Safel making his LA cabaret debut in celebration of his new CD Visible (LML Music), and local favorite Jeffrey Scott Parsons, a musical theatre star working on the boards across the United States and internationally. Some of his many credits include West Side Story, White Christmas, Cabaret, Dames at Sea, 42^nd Street, Glory Days, and Forever Plaid. [Sunday, May 28, at 7:30pm at Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood and Thursday, June 1, at 8pm at Martinis Above Fourth in San Diego.]

Chris Isaacson Presents (CIP) has created, produced, and promoted over 700 events since the company’s founding in 2004. From small clubs to major theatres CIP has presented some of the most influential stars of this generation. CIP’s summer event in 2016 — Broadway Under the Stars: Celebrating the 35^th Anniversary of “Dreamgirls” — was a complete sellout at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood. The evening starred original Dreamgirls Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine, and Jennifer Holliday. Most recently, CIP coordinated and produced an elaborate kick-off event at the Pacific Design Center celebrating the premiere of Ryan Murphy’s FEUD: Bette and Joan (FX Networks). The Drag-Tacular Live Concert Event featured Tony Award-winner Sam Harris as host. Niki Haris and Bianca Del Rio were only two of the many stars in the show, which played to a standing room only crowd. For information about upcoming CIP events, including Broadway Under the Stars at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, visit www.ChrislsaacsonPresents.com.

Tickets for all shows are on sale now and may be purchased online at www.ChrisIsaacsonPresents.com or www.ticketweb.com or by phone (LA shows) at (866) 468-3399. Phone reservations for shows at Martinis Above Fourth may be made at (619) 400-4500.

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04-04-17

^{SHOSHANA BEAN, TRIXIE MATTEL, NIKI HARIS}

^{PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRIS ISAACSON PRESENTS.}