Event Specialist Cheryl Lawson Uses Twitter to Report Live from the BET Awards 09

Event Specialist, Cheryl Lawson uses Twitter to report live from the 2009 BET Awards. Follow: http://www.twitter.com/partyaficionado

Here are a few of the photos I took behind the scenes. You would have had to follow my Twitter updates to get the full story. Don't miss out on the next big event!

Official Press Release
Visit BET.com for BET On Blast video highlights, photos and continuous BET AWARDS '09 news at
www.bet.com/betawards
Get up-to-the-minute news and reactions about the BET AWARDS '09 by following @BETAwards on Twitter
(www.twitter.com)

THE "BET AWARDS '09" PAYS TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON AND HONORS THE BEST IN MUSIC, SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT, INCLUDING JAMIE FOXX, BEYONCE, LIL WAYNE, NE-YO, KERIHILSON AND LEBRON JAMES

Janet Jackson Makes an Emotional Appearance on Behalf of the Family Thanking Fans for Their Support

LOS ANGELES - June 28, 2009 - It was a non-stop standing ovation for Michael Jackson and his legendary career at the BET AWARDS '09, as host Jamie Foxx and a legion of A-list stars paid tribute to the King of Pop with special performances, emotional testimonials about what Jackson meant to them, and a beautiful, colorful set featuring images and montages of the star. The BET AWARDS '09 celebrated Jackson and today's brightest stars in music, sports and entertainment at Los Angeles' historic Shrine Auditorium during a once-in-a-lifetime evening full of unforgettable moments on Sunday, June 28 at 8:00 p.m.*


From the minute the BET AWARDS '09 started, the audience was on its feet immediately. Set against a backdrop of images of the Jackson 5, New Edition - Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, Michael Bivens, Rickey Bell, Ronnie DeVoe and Ralph Tresvant - reunited for a rousing performance of Jackson 5 songs, including "I Want You Back," "ABC" and "The Love You Save."

Foxx - clad in a classic Michael Jackson outfit of a red leather jacket and one glove - opened the show and set the perfect tone with a stage-long moonwalk and a hilarious, poignant monologue emphasizing Jackson's contributions to the music industry and pop culture.
Keri Hilson also channeled her inner Michael by donning his "Bad" outfit to perform her hit songs "Turnin' Me On" and "Knock You Down." Ne-Yo slowed it down with a powerful rendition of Jackson's "Lady in My Life," while Jamie Foxx and T-Pain got everyone dancing for "Blame It," bringing onstage surprise guest performers Snoop Dogg and Travis Barker.

In a breathtaking performance of her ballad "Ave Maria" and Sarah McLachlan's "Angel," Beyonce had the crowd mesmerized. Ciara also captivated the crowd singing Jackson's "Heal the World," and Mary Mary and Queen Latifah teamed up for a stirring performance of "God in Me." Keyshia Cole and Monica collaborated on the beautiful song "Trust," and Soulja Boy performed his hit "Turn My Swag On."

Ne-Yo returned to the stage for one of the most electrifying performances of the night, putting on a medley with some of his favorite stars, including: Keith Sweat singing "I Want Her"; Guy (Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall and Damion Hall) the originators of New Jack Swing; and Bel Biv Devoe, who had the crowd on their feet fist-pumping to "Poison." Cultural icon Jay-Z also rocked the house and had everyone standing to celebrate his new single "Death of Autotune."

Maxwell treated the audience to an incredible performance of "Pretty Wings," and in a surprise performance, up-and-coming artist Drake was joined onstage with Lil Wayne and Birdman for a medley of "Every Girl," "Best I Ever Had" and "Always Strapped."

In a surprise appearance, Don Cornelius, host and creator of Soul Train, spoke about the contributions of The O'Jays, the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. Tevin Campbell,Johnny Gill, Tyrese and Trey Songz all performed to honor The O'Jays' musical
career.

Alicia Keys and Wyclef Jean both received the 2009 BET Humanitarian Award for their philanthropic efforts.




In an emotional end to the BET AWARDS '09, Janet Jackson made an appearance on behalf of the Jackson family to thank fans for their support। And for the finale, Foxx and Ne-Yo brought the evening to a close with a touching duet, singing the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There."

A star-studded line-up of the hottest A-list celebrities made appearances at the show, including Tyra Banks, Taraji P. Henderson, Idris Elba, Sherri Shepherd, Anthony Anderson, Paula Patton, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Estelle, LeToya Luckett, Chaka Khan, Day 26, Nichelle Nichols, Keke Palmer, Ray J, Snoop Dogg, Ving Rhames, Zoe Saldana, Mike Epps, Jeremy Piven and Marlon Wayans.

Throughout the BET AWARDS '09, BET Networks honored local heroes with the Community Humanitarian Award. These inaugural honorees - The Three Doctors, members of Food From The 'Hood (FFTH) and Mayor-elect James Young - were recognized for their activism within their communities.

Other memorable moments included: Zoe Saldana and Nichelle Nichols, the lovely ladies who play the current and original Uhura in Star Trek, a movie trailer spoof bringing together Matthew Lawrence's Shenene character and Foxx's Wanda; Nickelodeon's star of True Jackson Keke Palmer performing Jackson's "Who's Loving You" a cappella; and Ginuwine and other stars giving testimonials on what Jackson meant to them.

In addition to all of these incredible moments, a number of awards were given out at the BET

AWARDS '09:

Best Male R&B Artist Best Female R&B Artist Best Group Ne-Yo Beyonce Day 26

Best Gospel Artist Best Female Hip Hop Artist Best Male Hip Hop Artist Mary Mary M।I.A. Lil Wayne
Best New Artist Best Collaboration Keri Hilson

Jamie Foxx f/ T-Pain - Blame It

Video Director of the Year Video of the Year Benny

Boom Beyonce - Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)

Best Actress Best Actor Taraji P. Henson Will Smith

Best Female Athlete Best Male Athlete Serena Williams LeBron James Centric

Award Viewer's Choice Jazmine Sullivan T.I. - Live Your Life (f/ Rihanna)

Encore telecasts of the BET AWARDS '09 are set for:
• Tuesday, June 30 from 6:30-10:00 p.m.*
• Thursday, July 2 from 8:00-11:30 p.m.*
• Monday, July 6 from 8:00-11:30 p.m.*

• PLEASE NOTE: End time may change depending on final show length.

BET has once again teamed with Cossette Productions, the famed producers of the GRAMMY Awards® and the eight record-setting BET AWARDS shows, to handle production of the telecast. Stephen Hill, President, Music Programming and Specials, BET Networks, along with Lynne Harris-Taylor, Vice President of Specials, BET Networks, will executive produce the telecast.

BET AWARDS '09 is sponsored by Pepsi, Procter & Gamble's Cover Girl and My Black Is Beautiful, Kmart, Lincoln, Ford, KFC Pride 360 and GREY GOOSE® Vodka.
Visit BET.com for BET On Blast video highlights, photos and continuous BET AWARDS '09 news at www.bet.com/betawards. Get up-to-the-minute news and reactions about the BET AWARDS '09 by following @BETAwards on Twitter (www.twitter.com).
•All times ET/PT

About BET Networks
BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 98 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET Digital Networks - BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

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CONTACTS:
Voncella Mclntosh Marcy Polanco
BET Networks BET Networks
310-481-3732 212-975-3327
voncella.mcintosh(at)bet.net marcy.polancof(at)bet.net

ASCAP'S 22ND ANNUAL RHYTHM & SOUL MUSIC AWARDS HONOR TOP SONGWRITERS AND PUBLISHERS OF 2008

Event Specialist, Cheryl Lawson uses Twitter to report live from the red carpet. Visit www.twitter.com/partyaficionado to follow this event and more.

Stargate's Mikkel Eriksen & Tor Hermansen and C। "Tricky" Stewart & The-Dream Tie for Songwriter of the Year; EMI Named Publisher of the Year


Smokey Robinson and Alicia Keys Receive Special Honors

New York, NY, June 26, 2009: The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) hosted its 22nd Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards tonight at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. The star-studded event, which was attended by over 650 leading songwriters, recording artists and music industry notables, paid special tribute to Smokey Robinson and Alicia Keys, and honored the songwriters and publishers of the most performed ASCAP songs on the 2008 R&B/Hip-Hop, Rap and Gospel charts.

Top awards were handed out to:

* Songwriters of the Year: Mikkel Eriksen & Tor Hermansen and C. "Tricky" Stewart & The-Dream
* Publisher of the Year: EMI Music Publishing
* Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song: " Like You'll Never See Me Again"
* Top Rap Song: "Lollipop"
* Top Gospel Song: "I Trust You"

One of the evening's highlights was a special tribute to music legend Smokey Robinson, who was honored with ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award in recognition of "his achievements as a songwriter and artist who has written an enduring chapter in American musical history and whose songs have inspired generations." Following a video presentation illustrating Robinson's outstanding career, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson and ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams co-presented the award. The tribute culminated with stellar performances by R&B superstar Ne-Yo, R&B/Gospel singer-songwriter Kelly Price, new J Records artist CJ, and Australia's most popular vocal group Human Nature, who sang a selection of Robinson's biggest hits. Past recipients of ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award include Earth, Wind & Fire; Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Bill Withers.

Another highlight was the presentation of ASCAP's Golden Note Award to Alicia Keys, which is presented to songwriters, composers, and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Gabby Wilson, an 11-year old musical prodigy, performed in honor of Keys, and Paul Williams presented the prestigious award to the 12-time Grammy Award winner. Past recipients of ASCAP's Golden Note Award include Sean "Diddy" Combs, Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Jay-Z, Quincy Jones, LL Cool J, New Edition and Lionel Richie.

Keys picked up three more awards during the evening, including Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song for " Like You'll Never See Me Again," co-written with Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, in addition to awards for "No One," co-written with "Krucial" and DJ Dirty Harry, and "Teenage Love Affair," co-written with Matt Kahane.

In addition to the musical tributes to Robinson and Keys, the evening featured performances by Gospel sensation James Fortune (Black Smoke Music/Worldwide) who performed his Top Gospel Song, "I Trust You," hip-hop group GS Boyz (Battery/Jive/Swagg Team) who had the audience doing their best dance moves to their debut single, "Stanky Legg," and Def Jam's newest star, Jeremih, who sang his hit single "Birthday Sex."

ASCAP's coveted Songwriter of the Year award went to two of today's hottest songwriting/production teams – Mikkel Eriksen & Tor Hermansen and C. "Tricky" Stewart & The-Dream – who tied with five award-winning songs each.

2007 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year honoree Johntá Austin presented Mikkel Eriksen & Tor Hermansen with their Songwriter of the Year awards. Collectively known as Stargate, the duo was honored for Trey Songz's "Can't Help But Wait," Ne-Yo's "Miss Independent," Jennifer Hudson's "Spotlight," Rihanna's "Take A Bow," and Chris Brown's "With You." This is the first time that Stargate have been named ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Songwriters of the Year, and closely follows their Songwriter of the Year victory at this year's ASCAP Pop Music Awards, and the 2007 ASCAP Awards in London, UK.

Austin also collected two awards in the R&B/Hip-Hop category for co-writing "Can't Help But Wait" and "With You" with Stargate.

Super-producer Timbaland, a three-time ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year honoree, presented C. "Tricky" Stewart & The-Dream with their first-ever Songwriter of the Year awards. The pair was honored for The-Dream's "Falsetto" and "I Luv Your Girl," Mary J. Blige's "Just Fine," J. Holiday's "Suffocate," and Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body."

ASCAP Publisher of the Year honors went to EMI Music Publishing who was honored for 20 award-winning songs. This is the 15 th consecutive win for EMI and the 17 th time in the 22-year history of the awards show that they have received this honor. ASCAP CEO John A. LoFrumento presented the award to EMI Chairman and CEO Roger Faxon and his creative team.

"Lollipop," co-written by Darius "Deezle" Harrison and the late Stephen "Static Major" Garrett, was named Top Rap Song, and also claimed an award in the R&B/Hip-Hop category. The infectious single, performed by Lil Wayne and featuring "Static Major," topped both the Top Rap Tracks and R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks charts, and earned "Deezle" and "Static Major" a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song at the 51 st Annual Grammy Awards.

"I Trust You," co-written by James Fortune and Terence Vaughn, was named Top Gospel Song. Recorded by James Fortune & FIYA, the spiritual anthem topped Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart for a historic 29 weeks, and holds the title as the longest running #1 Gospel single.

ASCAP songwriters with multiple award-winning songs were: Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Hermansen, Terius "The-Dream" Nash and C. "Tricky" Stewart with five awards each; Ne-Yo with four awards; Alicia Keys with three; and Akon, Johntá Austin, Kerry "Krucial" Brothers Jr., Keyshia Cole and Darius "Deezle" Harrison with two apiece.

Honorees and notables in attendance included: Smokey Robinson, Alicia Keys, Berry Gordy, Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson, Stargate's Mikkel Eriksen & Tor Hermansen, C. "Tricky" Stewart, The-Dream, Timbaland, Johntá Austin, Ne-Yo, BET Chairman and CEO Debra Lee, Wyclef Jean, Jerry Duplessis, Missy Elliott, Fabolous, Keyshia Cole, Yung Berg, CJ, James Fortune, GS Boyz, Human Nature, Jeremih, Kelly Price, Jeremy "Mouse" Allen, Algebra Blessett, Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, Shondrae "Bangladesh" Crawford, Cri$tyle, DJ Dirty Harry, Noel "Detail" Fisher, Christopher "Drumma Boy" Gholson, Darius "Deezle" Harrison, Torence "Lil Boosie" Hatch, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Kardinal Offishall, Harvey Mason Jr., Colby O'Donis, Play-N-Skillz, Rock City, Artavious "Tay Dizm" Smith, Curtis "Kid Kid" Stewart, Damon Thomas, and Melody Thornton of the Pussycat Dolls, among many others.

Click here for the complete list of winners.

About ASCAP
Established in 1914, ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization (PRO) representing the world's largest repertory totaling over 8.5 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than 350,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members. ASCAP has representation arrangements with similar foreign organizations so that the ASCAP repertory is represented in nearly every country around the world where copyright law exists. ASCAP protects the rights of its members and foreign affiliates by licensing the public performances of their copyrighted works and distributing royalties based upon surveyed performances. ASCAP is the only American PRO owned and governed by its writer and publisher members. www.ascap.com

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PRESS CONTACT:
Bobbi Marcus Public Relations & Events, Inc.
Bobbi Marcus
310-889-9200
bobbi.marcus@bobbimarcuspr.com

ASCAP
Pauline Stack
212-621-6278
pstack@ascap.com

Our technologically schizophrenic selves

The beauty of technology and social media is, We can "be" who ever we want to be.. and thank God there are enough outlets for us to be our technologically schizophrenic selves.

On Linkedin I am what my resume says I am. Connecting with my former co-workers,and students.

On Facebook, I am my 1980's self so my HS classmates can see that I'm still alive. I occasionally log on to say hi.

On Myspace, I am the coolest version of myself, a poker shark, attacking people on mobster, and checking out the hot new music.

On Twitter, I am my profound, thought provoking, multifaceted self.
@partyaficionado

Who are you?

What's with the name? The Perfect Date Story

1992, The Perfect Date founder and event specialist, Cheryl Lawson has been responsible for planning some of the most exciting meetings, events and parties in the country. After over 16 years working for two fortune 500 companies, Cheryl decided to launch her own event planning firm.

Established and launched at the Daytona 500 in 2000,The Perfect Date, is an event and marketing firm, specializing in Corporate Meetings, Association Conferences, Specialized events,and Gala Celebrations. "We provide time saving services that allow our customers to enjoy every stage of their event", said Lawson.

While all of Cheryl's events are memorable, the most memorable part of Cheryl's company is the name, The Perfect Date, established long before the current dating craze. Cheryl recounts how the name came about. It's quite an interesting story.

"In 1999, a friend of mine wanted me to recommend a wine for his family's Thanksgiving dinner. My reply was how about you pick one for yourself. " Known for her great knowledge of the California Wine country, Cheryl, along with another friend, took the short trip from Sacramento to the Sonoma and Napa area.

Viansa Winery and Italian Marketplace in Sonoma was the first stop. At Viansa we enjoyed great wines, perfect pesto, magnificent mustards ,and fabulous frutta dolce that were so graciously offered as samples throughout the market place.

The nest stop was the striking Sterling Vineyard Winery, a very familiar landmark to the locals of Napa Valley, which is located on a hill just south of the town of Calistoga.
After the self guided tour, the wine tasting terrace gave us a much needed sit down break. The staff at Sterling gave us all excellent wine parings for turkey dinners.

The historic Oakville Grocery was the next stop. The flagship store is located along heavily traveled Hwy 29, in the township of Oakville. We learned that in 1993, the historic building was recognized and honored by being included in the National Registry of Historic Places in the US. The famous little country store has been featured on Good Morning America, CNN , and in Bon Appetite and Food and Wine and Gourmet magazines. This place is a must stop for anyone who visits Napa Valley. The Oakville chicken club and the pesto mayo are worth the trip.

And just a short drive down the street, our group visited Silver Oak Cellars. The mission of Silver Oak is to consistently produce of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the world. For me and my friends, mission was accomplished. Although we had experienced only a few wineries, we all walked away with a small fortune in wine.

Our final stop was Brava Terrace's Cuisine, located at the edge of the quaint town of St. Helena. The cuisine reflects wine country cooking of France, Italy and especially California. While we were dining near the wonderful fieldstone fireplace in the main dining room, my friend stated, "This would be an ideal place to take a date". My girlfriend and I (both single at the time) stated simultaneously, "Everything we have done today would be a nice thing to do on a date". It was at that moment my friend proclaimed, "That's what you should do Cheryl. You should just plan the perfect date."



A play on the phrase and with the use of a calendar in the logo design to indicate a date of the month, The Perfect Date, has emerged as one of the most unique event planning firms in Southern California.

To learn more about The Perfect Date, log on to
http://www.theperfect-date.com

Or follow Cheryl on Twitter @partyaficionado

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy

Event Specialist, Cheryl Lawson shares a favorite quote।

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann c.1920