Alicia Keys Earns Five American Music Award Nominations

Detroit On-Air Talent to Host 11th Don Bosco Hall Benefit

This is an edited version of an article written by Carol Archer for Radio & Records.

Alexander Zonjic, morning host of WVMV 98.7 Detroit, will host a “Get Jazzy Evening” featuring veteran contemporary jazz quartet Fourplay in a benefit for Don Bosco Hall on Saturday, November 15th at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan.

Alexander Zonjic & Friends will also be the evening’s opening act.

This is the 11th annual concert benefit for Don Bosco Hall, a private non-profit agency founded in 1954 that provides supportive human services to enhance the quality of life for youth and their families in metropolitan Detroit.

Alexander Zonjic started his musical journey at age 9 in his hometown of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, when he was introduced to his musical love, the guitar. By age 15, his professional journey began as the lead guitar player in a rhythm and blues band. It was at age 21 when Zonjic was ready to discover the power and intelligence of music.

Recognizing all the qualities and knowledge that Zonjic communicates so well, WVMV-FM, Smooth Jazz V98.7 in Detroit, recruited Zonjic to host their weekday morning show. As a morning host, Zonjic brings the breadth and depth of his musical knowledge, quick-wit and on-air insight of limitless musical genres to a large and loyal listening audience.

For more information you can visit wvmv.com and zonjic.com.

Leona Lewis Triumphant at U.K.’s MOBO Awards

October 24th, 2008 Frankie Sanchez

 Leona Lewis Triumphant at U.K.’s MOBO Awards

 Leona Lewis was among the artists awarded at the 13th annual MOBO Awards in London. The MOBO (Music Of Black Origin) Awards are held annually in the U.K. to recognize artists of any race of nationality who perform music of black origin. Leona Lewis and Estelle were the big winners of the night, walking away with two awards each. John Legend opened the October 15th show with his new single, “Green Light”. Estelle impressed the audience with a medley of tunes before returning to the stage with label boss John Legend for a rendition of “No Other Love”. She won best U.K. female and best song for “American Boy” which features Kanye West. Lewis was absent from the awards, but delivered her two acceptance speeches via pre-recorded video message. She won best video for “Bleeding Love” and best album for “Spirit”.   For more information on Leona Lewis you can visit her website, leonalewismusic.co.uk.

Earlier this year Candy Dulfer toured Japan, playing the Sapporo jazz festival, which included five nights in the Blue Note in Tokyo and two nights in Nagoya. In a recent post on her website she mentions that her, and her band, have been touring Japan for fourteen years now, so they “have a lot of friends and loyal fans turn up at the shows.” This year has been an incredible one for Candy, with a US tour, a gig in South Africa at Cape Town Jazz, and some Sugar Factory Shows in her hometown of Amsterdam. She recently participated in a Tommy Hilfiger show in Berlin where she got to perform alongside Wyclef Jean, formerly of the Fugees, and Kelly Rowland, formerly of Destiny’s Child. Candy has also been working on her new album, which is slated for release in the spring of 2009. She has also completed a soundtrack for a documentary film about biological wines called ‘Kissed by the Grape’. According to Candy, all of the tracks are inspired by the film and its scenery. The film will be available on DVD on November 28th. In September Candy performed with Lionel Richie for four shows at the Gelredome in Amhem, Holland. She has a string of tour dates lined up for the end of October before she boards a cruise ship with Dave Koz in the beginning of November. The end of the year will find her doing a number of shows in Switzerland. Candy was also recently asked to be the guest editor at Wahwah magazine where she got to write a story about her gig as a supporting act for Madonna’s tour back in 1987. For more information you can visit Candy’s website, candydulfer.com.

 Paul Jackson Jr. recently released his new album, “Lay It Back.” In a posting on his website Jackson wrote, “It was really important for me to complete this new project.” In the meantime Jackson “[has had the] opportunity to do some recording with George Duke, Sergio Mendes, Jeff Lorber, Smokey Robinson and others.” He has also been working on a lot of projects including the Grammys, Don’t Forget The Lyrics, a new show called Rediscovered, American Idol, United Negro College Fund, and a Tribute to Patti LaBelle, which will air later in the year. In July Jackson also had a chance to play at a tribute to Quincy Jones during the Montreaux Jazz Festival. His new album features Jeff Lorber, Bobby Lyle, Patrice Rushen, Rickey Minor Band, as well as a host of other musicians. The release of this album marks the start up of a new record label, Branch Records. For more information on where to purchase “Lay It Back” you can visit Paul’s website, pauljacksonjr.com.