What it do with Lue

By Lue Dowdy

Continuing with National Women’s Month, this week I had to feature Queen Danielle Willis. This lady is such an inspiration, not only to me but to so many other women. I love her courage, faith, and determination, and sexiness! I’ve had the pleasure of seeing her bodybuilding transformation via social media. Not only is she beautiful on the outside, she’s beautiful in the inside. Take a look into the journey of Female Bodybuilder, Danielle Willis.

Danielle began her journey to the stage in 2017 with a passion and desire for something more in life. Under the coaching of longtime trainers’ trainer, David Ellis, Danielle started training hard in 2018. In November 2018, she won the Overall in Women’s Physique at the ‘NPC Iron Games Show’, where she qualified for nationals. In 2019, Danielle began her quest for pro by doing two back-to-back national shows. At her first show she placed 3rd in the Women’s Physique at the ‘USAs’ in Las Vegas, full of hope she decided to do the ‘North Americans’ in Pittsburg where she won 1st place and the Overall winning of the entire show in the Women’s Bodybuilding Division.

Danielle states, “Ever since I was in my 20s, I have had a heart to solve problems ailing my communities, and the Bodybuilding industry is no exception. I want to solve the individual problem of inequality in the community, and I feel compelled to fix it because I believe you can’t live properly in your life if you lack soul alignment. My message to women struggling with self-image issues, mental health, and anxiety is to be different and embrace who you are. Once you find your niche you will be celebrated for being just as you were created to be. And I want to help women define their worth through self-love, fitness and community.”

In addition to her love for bodybuilding, Danielle is still very active as a dance instructor now going on 13th years. Currently, she’s working as an instructor at the ‘IE Dance Center’ formerly known as Bowen Hayes-School of the Arts in the beautiful City of Riverside. Danielle has danced for Disney, the American Basketball League, and Baltimore Mariners indoor football team and several other organizations. For more about this beautiful Queen please see below.

Until Next week L’s!

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Danielle Stats:

• From 2010-2014 she was contracted as a dance instructor for the Riverside Arts Council. 
• From 2010-2013, she worked for the Riverside YMCA as the Performing Arts coordinator. 
• In 2012, choreographed a piece for the Mayors Ball, and directed a dance recital for the Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn. 
• From 2012-2016 she was on the leadership staff for CrossWord Christian Church’s’ Praise Dance. 
• From 2014-2017 she worked for the VOICE News and Dr. Paulette Brown Hinds as Special Projects Coordinator, where she was deeply involved in community events both local and statewide. Organizing several events notably for the League of Cities African American Caucus, and Cal Earned Income Tax Campaign. She also assisted former Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown on community projects. 
• From 2015-2017 she was an Instructor for Women Wonder Writers Write of Your Life program where I was able to advocate, encourage, and guide the at promise girls that I instructed. 
• From 2015-2016, Danielle was a board member for the Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire
• Served as a board member for the NAACP ACTS-O (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) Riverside Chapter. 
• Instructor for the non-profit organization the Young Visionaries, where she mentored young children in need of support and direction.

By Lue Dowdy

Krissy Harper a Superwoman at home and in the community! I can’t say enough about this phenomenal woman. Growing up, Krissy has always been about her community. So, this week, Queen Krissy, I salute you! See below why I selected Krissy Harper for my article a tribute to amazing women in celebration of National Women’s Month.

Though Krissy wears many hats in our community, her passion is fueled by being the Director of the Legendary San Bernardino Pacesetters Drill Team and Drum Squad. As a third generation Pacesetter, Krissy has made it her mission to serve the community by marching through the streets all around the world. With a group of over 85 young people, Krissy is determined to change the world. She often tells them that, “Building Better Lives Builds Better Communities”.

If you care enough to want to see change in a person, then you’re one step closer to changing the world. The Pacesetters has been a pillar of our community for over 60 years now and it is Krissy’s desire to continue the legacy of greatness to help rebuild the city through unconditional love and service one step at a time.

If you would like to get involved with the drill team and Krissy please look them up on Facebook under ‘The Pacesetters’. I believe right now they’re recruiting for new members. So, if you like to drum or march and you’re from the town, tap in. Remember to always march to the beat of your own DRUM. Until next week, L’s!

By Lue Dowdy

Yes!!! This article is a MUST. I’d like to introduce a talented Female Rap artist I met in the entertainment circuit that goes by the name, ‘Yawnie Mami’. I can’t say enough about this artist. Her lyrics are definitely fire.

Yawnie Mami has a way of telling a story through her music that others are able to vibe to. Not only is she a rapper, she is a writer. She knows that writing her own lyrics is a major plus in the music game. Other talents include club promotions. She also has her own trucking business: a true BOSS! Find out more about Yawnie Mami below in her full bio.

In April 2013, her single “HTDL” was aired for the first time on FM Radio (102.5FM and 94.3FM KDUC). On November 9, 2019, Yawnie started a series in which she released at least one new music video per month on Facebook. Her latest single, “Blister”, was released in March 2020 on all platforms.

Yawnie expresses how she would like to experience music as a whole, taking her to the highest level possible with the enjoyment of knowing people are listening.

I can’t wait to see her perform live again. I miss hearing her say loud on the mic, ‘Yawnie, Yawnie, Yawnie, Yawnie, Yawnie’! Make sure you follow her at facebook.com/yawniemami.

Until next week folks and remember, keep music in YO LIFE! L’s!

They say what would the world be like without the sound of music. In my opinion the same goes for the art of dance. Just imagine the world without it. I mean even in the Bible King David danced. In 2 Samuel 6:14, it says, “And David danced before the LORD with all [his] might; and David [was] girded with a linen ephod”. Dancing is another way to communicate feelings through movement. I had the pleasure of meeting Stephen and Asia online due to a LUE Productions virtual talent competition, ‘GONGED ME’. The moment they began dancing, I was blown away. 

Stephen and Aisha are a freestyle/improvisation duet collective that has been exploring/, performing, training, and collaborating together since 2016. As a duet, they want to express the importance of creativity and individuality through dance.  Stephen and Aisha work well together because they love what they do and want to express how powerful dance is to as many people as they can as a duo, as well as solo artists. Representation Matters! As Black artists, we hope to inspire others to be bold and have the confidence to share their sunshine too.

The Riverside based duo has performed in much of the Inland Empire area and have sprinkled out into areas of Los Angeles, California performing at the Shut Up and Dance Festival 2018 (Licia Perea) and Under the Spotlight Showcase (2018) at multiple occasions (Maxine Silfvergen), San Diego, California, performing at the Pop-Up Showcase (2017-18)  on multiple occasions (Omeed Simantob), and Phoenix, Arizona where the pair was invited out to perform at the Blaktinx Festival PHX 2018 (Licia Perea and Liliana Gomez).

Aisha is a recent graduate from Cal State Long Beach receiving her BFA in Dance. She is currently working as a guest teaching artist for an elementary school and involved with other online dance projects. Stephen is currently performing for company parties via Zoom and learning the art of DJing.

As a duo, Stephen and Aisha are currently training and exploring together and cultivating new work. They also host a bi-weekly dance session in Riverside CA to provide space for ALL dancers to express themselves and learn from each other. The sessions are currently taking a break and will be back April 2021. To keep up with Stephen and Aisha, you can follow them on Instagram:  @aishabuttersctoch and @stanner300.

Make sure to following the talented duo and book them for your next gig. If you’re a dancer or a part of a dance group, make sure to check out LUE Productions upcoming event ‘JUST DANCing’ in September honoring the world of dance along with their $500.00 Dance competition. Details can be located on the LUE Productions website at www.lueproductions.org. Now with that being said, don’t be afraid to BUST A MOVE of your own. Until next time L’s!

By Lue Dowdy

Weeeest up everyone! Its ya’ girl, Lue Dowdy back on the scene keeping you in the loop on What It Do! It’s been a minute I had to work on some things, ya know like getting my life together. But I’m back refreshed and happy to be at it again. Basically, this is my reintroduction article of myself and what my column, ‘What It Do with Lue’ is all about. 

The Entertainment in the IE is like a good pot of GUMBO, filled, seasoned and mixed with so much flavor, just waiting to be consumed. A thriving entertainment hub saturated with talented artists from singers, to dancers, rap artists, musicians, producers, writers, poets, actors, comedians, and more. I absolutely love and support the performing arts especially in my own backyard.

My production company, LUE Productions (Launching Unique Entertainment) is all about highlighting Indie Artists and Community Entertainment. Our goal is to provide platforms for the talented while bringing forth entertaining shows/events for the entire community to enjoy. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to expand my reach through the Westside Story Newspaper, which happens to be one of the longest African American running Publications in San Bernardino County. One of the great things about the paper, is that it’s circulated throughout Southern California. 

Due to the Pandemic the industry has been on pause. If you’re not a mainstream artists or performer, I’m sure the struggles been real. A huge part of this game is staying relevant. Let me help you by highlighting your talent or next upcoming event. I can be reach on messenger on Facebook under LUE Productions or reached by email at lue.info@yahoo.com. Stop by our website www.lueproductions.org

By Lue Dowdy

Child actor Michael Eshaun York is What it Do! This week ya’ girl is highlighting a young rising star. I love seeing the youth moving in a positive way, especially when it comes to going after their dreams. 

From his beautiful big, wild fro’, fly gear, and cute personality, I was immediately drawn to Michael; a humble kid with a bright spirit. Tapping into the industry is no easy task but he’s doing it with a great support team.

I look forward to seeing more of Michael in the near future. Please do me a favor and checkout his biography below. Make sure to follow him on all social media networks. Until next time folks!

Michael Eshaun York was born in Colton, California in 2010 and began acting in early 2014 at the of age 3 when he accompanied Fatimah Hassan on a Luv’s Diaper Commercial portraying her stage son.

He began taking Martial Arts (Tae Kwon Do) classes in 2015 at age 4. In 2016, at age 5, he begin taking Hip Hop Dance Classes with “Young Champions Dance America”, and also acting classes with actress/acting coach, Betty A. Bridges, whose list of clients (soon to become stars) included her oldest child, Jimmy Bridges, her daughter Verda Bridges, her son Todd Bridges , Nia Long (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Love Jones), Regina King (Jerry Maguire), Lamont Bentley (Moesha), and Aaron Meeks (Soul Food).

In January of 2016 by the request of Michael’s Management Company, he was sent to a TV Studio along with three other boys to be interviewed by actress Regina King, Director of the TV show “Scandal”. After meeting with her it was decided it’s time for Michael to take acting classes. After researching who taught Regina King and other successful child actors, it was confirmed Betty A. Bridges actress and acting aoach had a high success rate in the industry with children.

By Lue Dowdy, LUE Productions

This week I’d like to spotlight the very sexy and talented Sabri. Soon to be one of your favorite singers, songwriters, producers, and household name, Sabri is a sure star on the rise!

I was tagged in her new song, “BREATH”, and as soon as the melody came on, I was hooked but then the lyrics took it to another level.

A Brooklyn Queen, born in Cali girl, Sabri gives us the best of both worlds with fiery, edgy lyrics paired with a smooth, sexy, alluring voice. Writing poetry and song lyrics since the age of 12, she has mastered the art of storytelling and delivering a heartfelt message every time. Both men and women can relate to her music.

 “It’s all personal”, is the motto for songwriting and you will know it when you hear it.

Singing and performing in bands, school and church choirs since the age of 6, Sabri is steadily perfecting her craft of singing and writing. Attending W.E.B. Dubois Academy of Music in Brooklyn, New York, Sabri discovered her love of writing. Starting with poetry, slowly progressing into entire three verse songs on subjects way beyond her years, like Heartbreak, Love, and even the weather. Joining forces with a high school best friend, Sabri performed at local talent shows and festivals, at school pep rallies where they sang “The Black National Anthem” educating their peers on the history and importance of such a song. Eventually, they landed a permanent gig opening talent showcases in Oceanside, California at The Starlight Theatre which boosted them into the spotlight and landed them an appearance on Showtime at The Apollo, where the duo outshined all other contestants, and all in her Senior year of high School.

With many early accomplishments and accolades under her belt, Sabri is destined to be a star. Performing at some of the most prestige venues in Southern California, such as BB Kings in Hollywood, The House of Blues, The Zen Lounge, a State tour with Barry White’s Tribute Band, and an array of background vocalist gigs for local and established artist, she is ready for the spotlight and a chance to shine. This is Sabri’s first go as a solo artist and she is stepping on all necks and taking the industry by storm.

“Writing and Creating a mood and bringing someone into that to share these emotions with you, is the greatest feeling in the world, it’s like I’m never alone. Everyone is just a pen and paper away. Telling a story and you visualize it just the way I do is the goal, that’s where my heart is. Undeniably Sabri is sure to capture your mind and reel you in, buckle up and get ready. You Gon Feel This”, say’s Sabri.

Please make sure you support this dynamic artist. Until next time and make sure to always keep it 100 percent.

By Lue Dowdy, LUE Productions

Sugar and Spice and Everything nice is WHAT IT DO Folks. Girls rule the world in my- Beyonce Voice. 

Congratulations to Kimberly Woods and the entire team of ‘I’m A Diva And Fabulous Youth Foundation’ for hosting the very first  ‘Miss Teen Rialto Scholarship Pageant ’ that took place this past Saturday on February 1.

I had the pleasure of participating on the judges panel, which wasn’t an easy task. All of the young ladies looked so beautiful and did such an amazing job. The contestants had to go through intensive training which prepared them for the competition.

It was a beautiful evening! The pageant took place in the City of Rialto at Wilmer Amina Carter High School, Hosted by the beautiful ‘Melinda A. Clarkson’, former Mrs. Utah International 2003-04. The competition consisted of three different divisions (Princess Diva ages 2-4 , Jr. Pre-Teen Diva ages 8-9, and Miss Teen Rialto Diva ages 10-18). 

Pageant Director and Founder of ‘I’m A Diva and Fabulous Youth Foundation’, Kimberly Woods, explains her reason for putting on the pageant, “I did this event because I love our young girls and want to see them successful in life and to know that they can achieve anything they put their minds too”.

I salute all the young ladies and their support team. Competition in any field of life can be stressful and hard but as we all know, there can only be one Queen Crowned. Congratulations to all! 

For more information on how you can support the pageant or get involved, please call (909) 200-7591.

Crowned:

• Princess Diva: Daleyza Romirez # 36
• Jr. Pre-Teen Diva: Brooklyn Dorado # 30
• Miss Teen Rialto: Autumn DeVila # 37

Other Awards: 

• Academic Achievement Award: Hannah Romero # 32
• Community Service Award: Brooklyn Dorado # 30
• Community Service Award: Katelynn Shepard
• Viewers Choice Award: Brooklyn Dorado # 30

By Lou Dowdy

(ENN—EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK)—Couples Wanted is WHAT It Do! Who will be crowned king and queen?

LUE Productions is hosting its 1st Plus Size Couple Model Competition and Fashion Show! Male and female couples are wanted to compete for a $1000 cash prize along with other prizes. This event will bring awareness to body shaming while promoting team work and unity.

The winning couple will walk away with the following:

• $1000 cash
• Crown
• Trophy
• Photoshoot
• Newspaper/Magazine Feature

The registration fee is $100 before February 1 and $150 after.

Below are the requirements:

• Must be a size 14 and up
• Must be 18 and or older
• Must be willing to participate in all activities surrounding the promotion and success of the event
• Contestants can be related, friends, dating or married
• Must register no later than Marc

How to register:

• Registration fee can be made in person by texting (909) 567-1000, (909) 556-7637, or (714) 833-3196
• Once we receive your registration fee our application will be emailed to you requesting the following:

Two Photos of the contestants

Categories include:

1. Talent (show us your talent)

2. Super Hero’s (embody your favorite super hero)

3. Free Style (Let us see your personality through your clothing)

4. Formal Wear (Question and Answer)

Tap in with LUE Productions!

By Lue Dowdy

Model Bootcamp is What it Do! Catch me CEO and Founder of LUE Productions as I speak Saturday, January 12 in Los Angeles at Coffee Browns 1st Bootcamp for models.

I’ll be giving a few tips. Come sharpen your skills and gain more knowledge in the modeling industry.

Coffee Brown Ent is launching our first Model Boot Camp

Date: January 12th, 2019

Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn about deferent poses (Body/Facial/Angles)

How to walk like your on the Catwalk

Quick and easy hair and makeup tutorial on the go

Financial Education 101 (Savings, Protection, Investment, and Retirement Planning)

How to build your model portfolio Q & A with Guest

(More to be announced)

There will also be a mini Photoshoot with team #Brandfusion with Tradzmenzlounge and Long Beach Photographer. The first 10 guest to RSVP will receive a FREE GIFT Raffles, Wine, and Appetizers.

Contact Coffee Brown for information: 424-202-7351 or by email at coffeebrownsuga@gmail.com