* Business Owner * Event Producer * Artist Consultant * Artist Booking 
Community Associations (C.A.S.E. – S.A.F.E. – W.O.P.)

Meet well known and respected Event Producer Cynthia Allen. Mrs. Allen has a collective set of skills necessary to produce a high-level event of any size.
Cynthia has been producing events for many years in the State of Texas and recently her talent was recognized by the State and City of Tupelo Mississippi.
Cynthia Allen founder of C. Allen Production has a list of accolades. She hosts and produces community events, concerts, and festivals. Mrs. Allen is an active member of several community non-profit organizations. Cynthia is known for producing and managing the popular 'East Texas Budweiser Blues Festival.' The festival ran for several years and features many of the best up-and-coming and unsung entertainers in the business.
The festivals featured such entertainers as; Rue Davis, Bigg Robb, Willie Clayton, Big Cynthia Walker (R.I.P.), Marvin Sease ( R.I.P.), Al Lindsey and many others. Opening opportunities were permitted to newer artists such as Charles ‘ Kizzo’ Kizzee and Marcell Cassanova to list a couple. Among the music industry legends which headlined events produced by Mrs. Allen is Grammy Winner Mr. Bobby Rush, Benny Latimore, Theodis Ealey, Shirley Brown, Dennis Edwards, and Gospel Legend Mr. Lee Williams.
 As one of her recent productions, Cynthia Allen was employed to produce a show which would honor the legacy of the Living Legend, Gospel Singer Mr. Lee Williams. To say the least, the celebration was a huge success. Community and humane organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association came together to support and sponsor Mrs. Allen’s vision.
 
For Mrs. Allen, her plan is never to have just an event, it is always to become a production as with the Lee William Celebration. By the conclusion of the celebration, Cynthia and her team of associates and supporters had made history in Tupelo Mississippi. Tupelo will now institute an annual Lee Williams’ Day. Not only this, City officials proclaimed that a freeway or street will be named to honor Mr. Williams, in addition to including the honoree’s name to the Landmark between Mississippi and Alabama.  The landmark will read, “The Home of Elvis Presley and Lee Williams”.
This is a perfect example of the dedication and hard work you can expect from C. Allen Productions.
So when searching for a full-service professional which specializes in artist's consultant; promotions; artist booking; special event production: Wouldn’t you want an event producer who goes that extra 632 miles?

[Submitted by Ms M. Ssugah Chaney]

Artist - Songwriter

The 2019 South by Southwest (SXSW) activities was host to artists and filmmakers from all across the globe. I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with 'Gea' a very unique and welcoming artist. Gea hosted a showcase which not only debuted her music but that of other artists as well. Gea tells us that the event was a huge success. 

Gea is a native of Helsinki Finland with songs which sounds like Nordic folk narratives delivered with present-day electro-acoustic production and fairy-like vocals. Gea's music can fall into multiple categories, such as EDM, Art Pop, indie pop, Folk-pop

 Gea released her debut album in New York on September 11, 2017. The album was well received by mainstream music media in the USA, including Huffington Post. Her album reached the #30 in the top count down five times and the #10 in the count down twice. The ratings are noted on radio charts in the USA. In Germany, it was chosen NBT Music Radio's 2017 best album in the top 100.
 Other Accolades:

Finland -(Nosteessa / Slope) artist of the week by YleX (major radio stations of the Finnish Broadcasting Company).
Hollywood Intl Golden Film Award -Music video ”Alone” best editing
Song ”Pink” won Best Soundtrack Award at the Social Machinery Film Festival in Italy



[Submitted by Ms M. Ssugah Chaney]

The Platters, Trumpet, and Radio - What does all of this have to do with Mose Stovall?  
Mose Stovall is a Birmingham Alabama native,  with a passion for music.  Mose was introduced to music very early on. It is reported that initially, Mose took an interest in the trumpet, and later began singing. Mose Stovall's singing ability was noticed by Choral Director Perry Anderson an Educator at A.H. Parker High. With nurturing from Dr. Anderson, Mose was taught ways to enhance his vocal skills.
A few of Mose accolades from early on include Birmingham Civic Opera, Birmingham All-City Chorus, a contender for Alabama Choral Ensemble. opening act for Grammy Urban Showcase in 2000, and 2013's Best Urban Male Entertainer of the Year recipient at Alabama's Urban Award.
Mose Stovall's style of singing is influenced by the late Luther Vandross, Anthony Hamilton, and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. 
Thus,  the reason Mose Stovall has come to be known as,  'the Velvet Voice.'  His expressive and soulful voice calls out to his audiences, as his feelings and spirit is reflected in his music. 
Mose Stovall has appeared as show opener to Erica Badu, Willie Clayton, the O'Jays, and  Maze. He appeared on Star Struck hosted by Donnie and Marie Osmond.
Mose has informed us that the following names are only a few of the artists he has been honored to work with: Tony Terry, Howard Hewitt, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Willie Clayton, Omar Cunningham, Vick Allen, Big Ro Williams, Erika Badu, Calvin Richardson, Benny Latimore, Angie Stone, Producers Robert and Thomas Harris, Jamil Debarlabon, Mark Price, Ant Madden of Switz Beats, GEO, Six Nine & A/C, and Wink from Gasden Alabama .
 
He is a current member of The Golden Sounds of the Platters.
Although Mose Stovall is a  gifted singer, he makes it clear that he is also established as songwriter, producer and radio DJ.  Mose also enjoys performing cover tunes of other great artists.  He performs songs of all eras from the 70s to 90s and in almost all categories.
In August 2003, Mose released his first R&B solo album 'Private Party', with hits songs,  'Hold You', 'The Problem Is You', 'Good Lovin', 'Dance', and 'Can't Stand.'  Later in 2007, he released his second album.
Mose is currently hosting 'BEATS TV' which is a weekly TV show seen on (ABC 33/40) Birmingham's local airways. Mose is working on his next album and excited about the hot new single, 'Dancin.'. Be sure to follow the 'Velvet Voice' of Mose Stovall.
Mose recalls motivational phrases spoken to him by his beloved grandmother:
“Once a task has just begun, never leave it until it’s done.” “Be the labor, great or small, do it well or not at all.”
Mose says, his grandmother would repeat these phrases when she believes he and her other grandchildren were being lazy. This has been motivation for Stovall’s generation and beyond.
Now Mose shares his own motivational thoughts:  "God's purpose must always be our guide. Singing is my gift, through music I want to reach, to touch and to make changes in people's lives. My goal is to make people look at their lives and put it in a positive direction. Music is a universal language, that crosses all barriers and touches everyone - anyone. Healing souls is my mission. I thank God for the chance to spread His love through my gift of music. Through me, the gift is spread via records, Cds, TV, Radio, and Video."

We invite you to continue to follow the man with the 'Velvet Voice.' 

[Submitted by Ms M. Ssugah Chaney]

It's a shame but very much a reality that there are websites and fake agencies out there that are attempting to copy what the US Press Association has been doing for the past 20 years. While many of these sites are cleverly produced showing some members and even fake publications, these sites can do very little for you when it comes to helping you as either a freelancer or professional in your designated field. With thousands of members across the globe, The US Press Association "THE USPA" is there for you to help YOU with the many requirements and tasks that you may face on a daily basis. From professional association requirements for credentials to social networking and website SEO, the US Press Association is here to help YOU. Many of the sites you may come across utilize deceptive practices to obtain members to help them artificially inflate their "members" in an effort to look like they are authentic. Truth of the matter is, most of these sites have been imitating the US Press Association and in some instances attempting to utilize our likeness in an attempt to deceive prospective members. Some of these deceptive practices include creating an elaborate web of "agencies" and bogus "publications" or news outlets in an attempt to lure those with journalistic passions with a place they can post their stories, photos, videos or other media. In their attempts to defraud prospective members, they have only succeeded in damaging legitimate freelancers and even professionals.

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[Submitted by Michael Vanderpool]

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First Light in Kenya By Jessica Tinianow
(Published in  Summer 2005 Windy City Sports Chicago,Illinois)
Dawn breaks in Kenya. The plains of the Masai Mara are still. A herd of Thomson gazelles is grazing on the low grass. Suddenly, one runs to the outside and begins to lap the others. The lone gazelle accelerates and is galloping gracefully in ovals around the rest of the herd as if completing 200 meters on an outdoor track.
This gazelle mirrored the Kenyan running experience I had the prior week. I had participated in the first Runner’s World Kenya Running Safari and still had a runner’s high. This unique safari, organized by the magazine and Micato Safaris (www.micato.com) transported 12 Americans, one Japanese and this writer to the Northwest Highlands of Kenya, to Eldoret, a town located 3,085 meters above sea level from which most of Kenya’s elite distance runners originate.
It’s here that I journeyed into the home of Kenya’s greatest running tribe, the Kalenjin, in the highlands along the western edge of the magnificent Rift Valley. Over the course of 10 days, all of us socialized, ran and broke bread with more than 30 elite, world-class Kenyan runners.
As an avid recreational runner/triathlete I had watched Kenyans dominate many mid- and long-distance races for over 20 years. Yet before visiting Eldoret most of these runners were nameless to me except for a few of the most celebrated, like Kip Keino, Paul Tergat and Tegla Laroupe. When the Kenyans zipped by, I would clap and cheer for them collectively without any knowledge of their individual achievements. But I always wondered who these extraordinary runners were and why they were so good. What were the secrets behind all those anonymous faces?
From the moment I opened the van door and stepped onto the edge of the simple, dirt running track of Kamirriny stadium in Iten, a local Kalenjin town close to Eldoret, my surreal running experience began. Sprinting by me in midst of a morning interval workout was world-class athlete Lornah Kiplagat (see notes on all the athletes at the end). Then, my attention drifted to another three runners who ran with effortless long strides. I was told that I was watching three of Kenya’s most accomplished mid-distance medalists—Abraham Chebii, Sammy Kipketer and Ben Maiyo. A few daring souls in our group jumped in and tried to keep pace, though a running injury prevented me from joining the fray. Throngs of curious, smiling and shy schoolchildren surrounded us and squealed with delight as we gave them Bic pens and showed them our digital photos.
That afternoon I dined with Kiplagat at the training center she and her husband, Pieter, founded for young, gifted female athletes in the community. Over dinner, she shared with me her hopes and dreams for the future of female Kenyan athletes. “I encourage them to be the best they can be—they’re already doing very well,” she said.
Almost all the athletes, whether title holders or young future stars, come from impoverished backgrounds. Even with overseas race winnings they maintain strong ties to their family and community and never seem to lose a sense of their roots. The people live simply—without running water, TV or radio, but they all have enough to eat. The children walk or run to school, often barefoot in tattered school clothes.
Legendary runner Kip Keino proudly took the group on a tour through the beautiful gardens on the grounds of his training camp. He showed us where he grew pineapples, bananas and herbs, but he barely mentioned the home and school for 100 orphans that he built across the field. Brother Colm O’ Connell, a longtime coach who’d produced many champions at St. Patrick’s High School in Iten, proudly showed us his schoolyard full of trees—each one planted in honor of a graduate who went on to running fame. There was almost no room left to plant new seedlings. He shared with us the main lunch course of the student athletes, which is called githeri—a simple cooked mixture of corn and beans—as well as the other basic ingredients of their daily diet: tea, toast, meat and the aforementioned ugali. I wondered if perhaps these were the keys to the Kenyan success.
Often, celebrated athletes training and living in the Eldoret area joined our runners on casual runs along dirt roads past farms in the hills of the Rift valley. Though limited by my injury, I was able to participate in the enthusiasm of the experience.
In the hills of Chirchir I watched with envy as Eliud Kipchoge, Matthew Birir and Richard Limo ran with our group. The Kenyans jogged along as the pack descended and ascended the hills on unpaved, uneven dirt roads with beautiful panoramic vistas of the Rift Valley and its idyllic countryside at every turn of the road. Children appeared at the side of the road and stared with curiosity. It was a sight they likely had never seen before.
Overall, our group was welcomed into five training centers and five private homes. We also received an open invitation to participate in the North Rift Valley Regional XC championships in the fertile highland of Kapenguria. Nine of us signed up for the 4K and 12K races. Our team entered as the Mzungu Wazimu (crazy white people). Crazy indeed, for age, altitude and genes were all against us from the outset.
Hundreds of local villagers and children had walked miles in the scorching heat to watch and cheer on their own young talents, many of whom ran barefoot. They clearly were bewildered and bemused by the site of the Mzungu running in the searing Equatorial heat on the remote muddy dirt field. They pushed forward to get a closer look.
Our team placed last but won the hearts of the crowd. For the Kenyans, participating at Ngong meant a potential entry ticket to the next level of the African and World Championships.
I never discovered if there was really one secret to the success of Kalinjen athletes; it’s probably a combination of things. Though I suspect it’s the fact that running is more than a sport, but is instead woven into the fabric of their lives.
[Submitted by Jessica Tinianow]

I never realized that sitting in the Ravinia Pavilion I would have to duck to avoid flying objects as if I  was sitting down the foul line in Wrigley Field. Yet the flying objects at Ravinia were not errant fly balls but errant flying panties being hurled towards the stage.  The  target of their trajectory was none other  than the legendary “sex-bomb” Welsh crooner ”Tom Jones.
 At age , 69, Tom Jones still  had the ladies swooning from the moment he arrived onstage .  Deeply tanned, wearing an all black suit sans tie with open neck and   a shiny large silver cross dangling around his neck Tom Jones had the appearance of a Las Vegas showman. His schmaltzy getup and set , was supported by a strong fleet of musicians three vocalists a  strong keyboardist Frank Strauss and his music director Ric Fierabracci on guitar.
He moved easily through many of his legendary  hits including “She’s a Lady”  and “Delilah”.   The  rich soulfulness  of his voice was evident during his slower   ballads. Many new songs from his first album in 15 years to be released in the USA.,”24 hours” were performed.
Shortly into his performance when he sang “I’m Alive”  he  reminded the audience that he felt “it was appropriate” that he sing that song. A load laughing roar filled the pavilion.  Though aging,  Tom Jones is more than alive. He is energetic ,vibrant and can still swing and swivel his hips rousing a response from his adoring audience. He hasn’t seemed to have lost his sex appeal . With  “What’s new Pussycat?” rows of ladies stood on their feet and twirled panties above their head.  More than a few made a run  down the aisle toward the stage and with a  pitcher’s wind-up they  hurled their undies over the security guard towards  the stage.  Those who were successful were cheered by the audience.  As one red satin panty lay at his feet ,Tom looked down and coyishly remarked “oh my”.   He kept on course swiftly moving through his setlist.
After a two hour run without intermission Tom revealed he still had the moves and stamina to entertain, sing and keep the ladies titillated by his moves albeit a bit more muted than in his youth. At the concert’s end, though surrounded on stage by  an array of multicolored panties ,that seemed like wildflowers growing in an English garden.  Though showered with female adulation, the consummate showman left the stage alone.
[Submitted by Jessica Tinianow]

Alto Adige Grand Tasting Tour
By Jessica Tinianow
The great whites have arrived.  These are the geat white wines of the white wines from the Alto Adige Vineyard region of Northeastern Italy that I got to experience firsthand at the Alto Adige Wine Grand Tasting Tour .As I  made my way thru samplings of the 20 wineries represented ,I experienced these authentic, fresh and crisp wines with their own original character. The white grape varieties are grown in more than 55% of the vineyards and the cooler temps of the high altitude of the region ranging from 650 to 3250 feet in elevation.  The region provides the microclimates that produce the smooth and delicate tastes  of the Pinot Bianco, Gewürztraminer , Chardonnay and the Pinot Grigio wines. All of the wines are in the $15-$24 range.  Most are available now, or soon will be in your local wine shop.
Tasting the wines was a flavor experience, unlike many.  All of the wines have a pronounced fruit character and an elegance of structure that speaks to the terroir from which they come. 
The Pinot Blanc had an elegance scent of apples and lively acidity.  The wine had a full array of fruitiness and considerable finesse for such a young wine.
The Sauvignon Blanc had aromas of gooseberries and if you’ve never had these fruits just try a glass of this wine and you will know what I mean.  It was crisp and fresh with a marked intensity.  This is a great wine to go with fish or a fresh salad made with Romaine lettuce and pears or blood orange slices.
The indigenous Gewürztraminer is a slightly spicy, crisp white wine that is unique to the region.  It embodies rose scented character that encompasses a vast array of scents.  There’s a splash of various tropical fruits with an overlay of rose petals, and lychee nuts that give it a luxuriant velvety texture. I like d this wine so much I would recommend drinking it alone, or with a selection of spring fruits and light semi-soft cheeses.  Serve well chilled for a spring afternoon delight.  This is definitely a patio wine! 
Among the whtes there were a few standouts:  the Alois Lageder Haberle Pinot Bianco 2009, Gewurtzraminer 2010 Peter Zemmer. These wines all embodied freshness and originality.  They had balanced acidities, clean aromas and were a pleasure to drink. The St Valentin Sauvignon Blanc 2009 was also a pleasant wine to drink with its  fruity character and balanced acidity. 
Though I sing the praises of the white, I don’t want to overshadow the red varietals.  They are equally on par.  The Pinot Noir has rich aromas of dark berries and spices .  It is very intense and was well structured.   The Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabarnet Sauvignon were fresh and cleanly structured with a good bit of mineral taste. The low tannin reds were also  elegant and spicy with immaculate acidity.  If you have a guest who says they normally don’t drink red wine, this would be one for them to try.  I think they’d like it.
The region grows around twenty different grape varieties.  A few notable ones are the Schiava and Lagrein grapes which  have a distinct identity and strength of expression. 
The Schiava (Vernatsch) was low in tannins, a bit spicy with a moderate alcohol content.  The Lagrein, one of the leading red wine varietal of the region, had an aroma of fresh cherries, berries and violets.  It demonstrated a soft acidity and velvety body.  The selection I tasted also emitted tones of spice, lending the selection more character and charm.  It was light, earthy, and full bodied with a velvety texture and had a long finish.
Lest I not forget –dessert! Among the dessert wines Moscato Giallo:The pleasant aroma  of the MG 2009 I tasted from Manincor 's vineyards was sublime. 
The wines of the Alto Adige region are an absolute delight.
 
 
[Submitted by Jessica Tinianow]

The new 2018 USPA Holographic stickers will be issued on all new ID's starting today.

While not necessary, if you are a current member with a 2017 holographic seal and would like an ID with the new 2018 holographic seal you can get one HERE.