Simply Cheris. . .

  Kianna Alexander , also known as Alexandra Kane is an empire in the making. She writes lovely historic romances, plans amazing book events and brings Hot Southern Writers together . This woman can do anything she wants to do and looks amazing while doing it.  Some times you meet people and you feel like you've known them all of your life, that's what it's like when you meet Ms. Kianna. And then you read her books and wonder -- where have you been all of my life.         What drew you to writing historical romances? I. love. Beverly. Jenkins. I can't even explain how much I love her books. Combine that with a natural curiosity I've always had about American history, and writing historical romance is pretty much unavoidable. Plus, I don't think there are enough African American/ interracial/ multicultural historical books looking at all the facets of American history, so I'm trying to fill that void. I love doing the research- I al...

June is black music month and The Sol Kitchen is bringing real music to the Queen City. On June 9th, PJ Morton will be performing at the Double Door Inn on Charlottetown Avenue. Tickets are $23 in advance. The show begins at 8 p.m. So, who is PJ Morton? The music world's best kept secret. PJ MORTON The time is now for one of the industry’s best-kept secrets: PJ Morton. The Maroon 5 keyboardist/backing vocalist makes his major label debut on May 14 with New Orleans , his first album for Young Money Entertainment/Republic Records. One listen to Morton’s anticipated project quickly reveals why the multi-talent became a favorite on the indie R&B circuit and an in-demand songwriter/producer and also why the limitless talent will be a game changer for the Lil Wayne-founded Young Money. New Orleans marks the Cash Money imprint’s first step toward broadening its already wide appeal, thanks to a hit-making and award-winning roster that includes founder Lil Wayne, D...

Soul singer and six-time Grammy nominated performer Tamia Hill began honing her stellar voice when she was still a child growing-up in Canada. Living near the boogie down city of Detroit, the then-budding talent was exposed to that city’s rich musical history through its deep gospel tradition and booming Motown sound.  She will be performing in Charlotte on June 12 at the McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St., in support of her latest album, Beautiful Surprise. Tickets range from $27.50 to $37.50 and are on sale now. They can be purchased at www.carolinatix.org or call 704.372.1000. “I feel a connection to all types of music,” Tamia says from her home in Florida. “From soul to country to gospel, as long as the song has a good story, I’m hooked.” Citing Phyllis Hyman and Chaka Khan as influences, Tamia strives to bring freshness to the soul arena. From her brilliant debut single “You Put a Move on My Heart,” produced by Quincy Jones in 1994, to her more ...