Indie Night in San Francisco

On June 1st, the acclaimed Los Angeles-based Indie Night Film Festival arrived at the Kabuki Theater in San Francisco. Dave Brown, Founder/CEO and San Francisco native, has a vision for the film industry that is squarely focused on promoting the many talented producers, actors, and designers contributing to this billion-dollar industry. The festival has been running for twelve years and it’s only up from here. The special guest appearances at the event were Morris Chestnut and Tachina Arnold.

The Indie Night Film Festival is not your typical film fest —it's a weekly celebration of cinematic artistry designed to elevate emerging talent while providing a platform for networking and collaboration. Entrepreneur Dave Brown created Indie Night to bridge the gap within the filmmaking community by fostering connections between like-minded individuals worldwide. The Indie Film Festival currently has over 450 film submissions worldwide, and the vault only continues to grow in demand.

The festival showed over 10 short films and trailers and featured Faces of the City: Fighting for the Soul of America, produced by veteran actor Tisha Campbell. This film is about the vibrancy and legacy of San Francisco. The festival also showed “When It Reigns”, a trailer by Oakland’s burgeoning filmmaker Jamaica René.

Indie films have not just challenged traditional cinematic norms; they've shattered them. These films offer unique storytelling perspectives and push creative boundaries in truly inspiring ways. Through their smaller budgets and independent spirit, they often tackle unconventional subjects and portray diverse characters, providing a refreshing alternative to mainstream cinema. As a result, indie films have resonated with audiences seeking an escape from formulaic blockbusters and are increasingly celebrated for their authenticity and originality.

The mission of Indie Night is to elevate the craft of independent artists and creators. It also provides a venue for them to showcase their work, network, and exchange information with new and established creatives. It creates a community that values and supports independent art. For more about the Indie Night Film Festival, visit www.indienightfilmfestival.com.

Inauguration of London Breed | The First African American Female Mayor of San Francisco

It was a “Oh Happy Day” about to happen when I arrived at City Hall in San Francisco in great anticipation of the historic inauguration services of the first African American woman to be elected as Mayor of San Francisco - LONDON BREED.  I had no idea that my arrival at 6:30 am, for a program that began at 11 am, would be noticed by the KRON4 news crew.  I was asked to do a live interview about the inauguration that would air in 15 minutes.  I was thrilled for the opportunity.  I shared in the KRON 4 interview that as a native of San Francisco, growing up in the Bayview-Hunter’s Point neighborhood, I’ve watched London’s trajectory since she was around 19 years old, and given the journey this historic new chapter in her life was destined.  It was a tremendous honor for me to start the day giving my thoughts and accolades to the first African American woman to be elected as Mayor of San Francisco.

As a millennial thinker and 21st-century innovator, Breed understood the value of the arts and how it impacts the lives of inner-city children as she chose to lead the African American Art & Culture Complex as the Executive Director.  The journey continued in 2012 when Breed was first elected to the Board of Supervisors and was re-elected in 2016. She was elected by supervisors in 2015 to serve as the board’s president.  This next monumental step in leading one of the finest cities in the nation, San Francisco,the city is fortunate to have her leadership.

There were 3,000 chairs set up in preparation of Breed’s swearing-in by Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, and there was standing room only by the time the program began.  In her inauguration speech, Breed, 43, vowed to stand by immigrants during this very stressful and uncertain time in their lives.  She addressed the need to care for the mentally ill population, and she gave hope to the housing situation that the city has been facing for some time.  I am very excited about Breed’s leadership and I was very happy to hear her intentional attention to the mental illness community.  A much-forgotten population who need our attention and more importantly who deserved it.  For those who have served our country in the military and now they face this illness, they have earned our help.

London grew up in public housing in San Francisco and gives continued honor and respect to her grandmother who raised her.  We know the challenges ahead for Breed are monumental, but when the people of San Francisco voted for her as their new leader, there was assurance that she could get the job done.

San Francisco has embraced Breed’s innovative millennial thinking, and the supportive voters are standing by her side to help in any way they can.  We will begin to see a city in action like no other, and it’s going to be leadership at its best by far.

Breed is set to serve the remainder of former Mayor Ed Lee’s term, which ends in January 2020.

THE MoAD Afropolitan BALL RAISES $1M to keep black culture in san francisco

When the Hiplet Ballerinas of Chicago, IL get the party started at a gala, you know you're in for an absolute treat.  The MoAD Afropolitan 2017 Gala took place on October 28, 2017 at the Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco and it was outstanding as expected.  Hundreds attended and more than $1M was raised towards MoAD's goal of keeping Black Art & Culture in the City of San Francisco.  It's no secret that the African American population in San Francisco has decreased tremendously over the last 20 years, so while the people, in many cases, have been forced to make an exodus from the city, keeping the black history and culture that made the city what it is today, is extremely important.

It was very refreshing to see so many young professionals attending the MoAD Afropolitan Gala this year.  MoAD's commitment to advancing the message of the need to elevate the voice of black art in San Francisco is critical to this movement - a movement as I call it.  MoAD understands the value of embracing young professionals and millennials in the conversation as they will soon be, or they already are, those 'next in line' to bring the message full circle, not just in San Francisco, but nationally.  MoAD's Vanguard Leadership Council has the charge of outreach to young professionals throughout the Bay Area, many who don't know about the museum and others who have desired to find a place to share their artistic talent and other professional skills that the museum can use.

The honorees of the evening were Betye Saar – Lifetime Achievement in the Arts and Fred Blackwell – Visionary Leader in Philanthropy.  It would be great to see next year a young philanthropic professional honored as this would even further elevate the reach to a group of people who are open to being included and can bring money and talent to the table.

And go!

Y'Anad Burrell on Huff Post HERE

60th San Francisco Int'l. Film Festival | April 5 - 19 | My Picks

The 60th Annual San Francisco International Film Festival returns with yet another epic film line-up showing throughout San Francisco April 5 – 19, 2017.  I am particularly thrilled to see many screenings are scheduled at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.  While I enjoy the ‘taste of cinema’ in various venues throughout San Francisco, YBCA is an amazing space so it’s great to see SFIFF’s partnership with them this year.

Okay, here are my SFIFF 2017 film picks and I hope to see you there as well:

April 8th
11:00 am | State of Cinema, Edwin Catmull at Dolby Cinema
3:30 pm | Tribute to Ethan Hawke at YBCA
7:30 PM | 3-Day Pass at YBCA

April 10th @ 3:00 pm | Lady McBeth at Victoria Theater

April 12th @ 6:00 pm | Tribute to John Ridley - Guerilla at Alamo Drafthouse New Mission

April 15th @ 3:00 pm | Defender at Castro Theater

See a full schedule HERE.

The Style Room Workshop by Kesha McLeod and Calyann Barnett | National Tour | First Stop in San Francisco, CA

(December 26, 2016) On Saturday, January 14, 2017, The Style Room Workshop (SRW) makes its first national tour stop at the epic center of tourism and style - San Francisco.  The workshop takes place at The Archery, 470 Alabama Street, San Francisco and it will be, by far, a stylists and burgeoning stylists' playground of education of next-level fashion curation.  The Style Room Workshop (SRW) is a comprehensive learning curriculum geared toward budding stylists looking to further hone their craft.

The ladies leading this 'style room education movement' are two of the industry's most dynamic and sought after celebrity stylists among athletes and entertainers.  They know the importance of what it means to pay-it-forward when it comes to sharing the knowledge and expertise of their craft, which will ultimately continue to lend creed and high level credit to the industry overall.

Kesha McLeod founder of KMCME, INC. and Calyann Barnett, founder of WWB Lifestyle Agency know what it takes to make it in one of the most competitive industries in the world.  In this workshop, students will learn firsthand the tricks and trades that are required to become a successful celebrity stylist.  The multifaceted class will focus on fields such as entertainment, music videos, film and television. movies, sports, photo shoots, ad campaigns, commercials and more. Kesha and Calyann will answer all of your styling questions and enlighten you on questions you have never thought about when it comes to the styling industry..  The more knowledge the better, so the SRW will also have guest speakers and other experts in the field of fashion including agents, buyers and publicists who will give career advice, real life challenges and wins and above all how you can be a sought after stylists who is known for a nitch that you can design and own.

About the Founders of SRW

Kesha McLeod

Kesha McLeod has made a name for herself by utilizing her creative ability to bring out the unique style and elegance of each of her clients. The St. Albans, Queens native found her true calling at the age of 19, when she left her job as a telemarketer and took a position working in a showroom at H&M. After earning a degree in fashion merchandising from Katherine Gibbs School in Manhattan, her big break came when she was recruited by Grammy Award-winning recording artist Ne-Yo to work with him overseas and was tasked with choosing the wardrobe for his entire tour.  Since then she has worked with numerous high-profile-clients in the entertainment and sports industries including Andre Iguodala, Serena Williams, Chris Bosh, Vernon Davis, La La Vasquez-Anthony, Young Jeezy, Veronica Webb, Serge Ibaka, Victor Cruz, Charles Godfrey, Caroline Wozniacki and more.  Kesha’s work can be seen in television commercials, music videos, advertising campaigns, editorials, on the red carpets and at The Espy Awards, The Grammy awards, The Oscars and The Emmy Awards.

Caylann Barnett's fervent imprint on the fashion industry is unlike anyone who has come before her.  More than just a trendsetter, her creative spirit and business-minded drive has conceived visual identities for her clients, Dwayne Wade, Nicki Minaj, Rajon Rondo, Tyrese Gibson, Usain Bolt and Spike Lee have all called upon her distinctive flair.  As have brands like Hublot, Puma, Hennessy, Reebok, Gatorade and T-Mobile. Barnett's fearlessartistic insight and immersive loyalty has helped mold her client's into style icons.  Creating daring looks lithat have graced the pages of Vogue, GH, Sports Illustrated, Forbes and The New York Times.  She is more than just a sartorial ingenuity; she's a businesswoman.

The Style Room Workshop (SRW) takes place on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at The Archery, 470 Alabama Street, San Francisco.  For tickets and more information visit www.styleroomworkshop.com.  For media relations contact: Y'And Burrell, Glass House Communications - yanad@glasshousepr.com

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Marshawn Lynch - From Star NFL Athlete to Fashion Designer

From an NFL star athlete to now fashion designer, Marshawn Lynch showcased his Beast Mode collection for the first time on the runway at Fashion On The Square on November 13, 2016 in San Francisco.  Marshawn Lynch, who recently retired from the NFL, is a leading example of how to take a decorated athletic career to the next level and invest in an industry, fashion, that speaks to every ethnicity, age, culture, ethnicity both nationally and internationally.

During the Best Mode segment at Fashion On The Square, there were looks for men, women and even for the 'fluffy girl' as I affectionately call our 'plus size' models. When the 'fluffy girl' came down the runway, it was a standing moment for Marshawn as he was video recording the entire segment.  To see him raise to his feet in excitement about seeing this model rip the runway excited the crowd beyond measure. Also, one of several crowd favorite looks was a women's black sweatshirt with the words 'BLESSED' written in all white very large print on the back.  From the crowd applause it was certainly a show stopper.  Many of the women's wear pieces were worn with heels which gave the overall look something very sophisticated and beyond just athletic wear.

Marshawn opened his flagship store, Best Mode, in October 2015, at 811 Broadway St., in Oakland, CA.  He visits the store often and on any given day or time of day you will see traffic in the store because the collection is just that outstanding.  From the logo to the line, Marshawn Lynch's landing into the fashion industry has many paying close attention to his growth and from millennials to baby-boomers, they all want a piece of his collection in their wardrobe.

Marshawn doesn't just talk the talk when it comes to giving back to his hometown community, but he walks it and it's seen in the charitable activities he hosts where he is giving back to at-risk children and teens throughout Oakland through his Fam 1st Foundation.  It's been one of the best feelings ever to see a native of Oakland give back and do it continuously.

For more information about the Beast Mode Collection visit www.beastmodeonline.com.  To see photos from the fashion show visit www.fashiononthesquare.com.

Press Release: 11th Annual Fashion On The Square Featuring Michael Costello & Radmila Lolly

(October 15, 2016 - San Francisco, CA)  On Sunday, November 13, 2016 at 7:00 pm at the InterContinental Hotel, 888 Howard Street in San Francisco, Fashion On The Square (FOTS) will celebrate its 11th Anniversary in style and as always showing the best in fashion.  This year FOTS features couture designerMICHAEL COSTELLO and opera singer/couture fashion designer RADMILA LOLLY.

Michael Costello is nationally recognized and known for his impeccable design of dresses and gowns.  His signature look has been worn by many celebrities including Beyonce, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Lopez, Queen Latifah,  Tracee Ellis Ross, Christina Aguilera and many others.  Mr. Costello's recognition grew by leaps and bounds after he appeared on Project Runway several years ago and has since been a designer favorite by the stars and those who set fashion trends.  Mr. Costello will be showing his most recent New York Fashion Week collection on the runway at FOTS this year on November 13th and it will be show stopper indeed.

Opera singer and couture fashion designer RADMILA LOLLY, from New York, NY, will feature stellar gowns on the runway accompanied by a live performance by the designer herself.  When you're ready for the Met Ball or attending an opening nite at the opera, you will definitely want to wear a gown designed by Radmila Lolly.  Ms. Lolly is a classically trained soprano and who sings in Russian, German, Latin, English, Italian and Spanish. Her repertoire includes arias like “Porgi Amor” from Le nozze di Figaro, “Un bel di Vedromo” from Madame Butterfly, “Habanera” from Carmen, Tosca’s “Visse d’arte,” and “Brindisi” from La Traviata.  Radmila has performed in several concerts and in venues around the world – such as Carnegie Hall,  Formula -1 2014 in Abu Dhabi, London Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, the NYC Winter Film festival and many others.

Other designers showing on the runway on November 13th are Beast Mode by Marshawn Lynch, Rickie Lee, Rebecca Cahua, Dark Garden, I Do Bridal Boutique and more.

About Fashion On The Square (FOTS)
FOTS is one of the largest and longest running charity fashion shows on the West Coast.  FOTS+TheArts, the non-profit arm of Fashion On The Square, raises funds for students who blend fashion and art in their collections and those who advocate for STEAM, putting the 'A' in STEM (i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math).  FOTS+The Arts was founded in 2009 when, for the first time, a performing arts segment was introduced to the FOTS runway and since that time the show has elevated beyond measure.  That performance was by ballerina Caroline Rocher, who at that time was with Alonzo King LINES Ballet. 

A partial list of designers who have graced the FOTS runway include B Michael, Colleen Quen, Joseph Domingo, Chris March, Cindy Quach and many others.

The 11th Annual Fashion On The Square takes place on Sunday, November 13, 2016 at the InterContinental Hotel, 888 Howard Street, San Francisco at 7:00 pm.  For  and more information visit the website at www.fashiononthesquare.com or send an email to Y'Anad Burrell, yanad@fashiononthesquare.com.  Media Contact: Glass House Communications at yanad@glasshousepr.com.

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