(Sat. January 25, 2014) Cyrus Webb Presents... "Art, Books & Beats" in Pearl, MS

Media personality Cyrus Webb is excited to announce that the first "Art, Books & Beats" event of 2014 will be on Sat. January 25, 2014 at the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS).

Beginning at 1p.m. Webb will be showcasing over 20 pieces of his artwork and will be joined by author and Clinton, MS resident Glenda L. Hunter. The author of titles such as An Unspeakable Secret, Mommy Twinkle Eyes and her new children's book It Finally Happened, Hunter will be meeting attendees and will have titles available for purchasing.

During the event Webb will be sharing music from Troy Petty's cd FAIRY TALE PEN as well as discuss his own spoken word cd STILL I RISE.

Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. For more information contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.artbooksandbeats.com. 

Popular Song By Cash Money Inspires Anthem To Encourage Reading

(Wednesday, December 29, 2010) When Shadow Play Entertainment President Cyrus Webb began looking for a theme song to promote its literacy campaign for 2011, he didn't have to go any further than two of his friends that shared his passion for encouraging reading: Herschel Dixon of Louisville, KY and Chris Ervin aka Dj Down South of Raleigh, MS.

"As a father, Herschel has made books a large part of his daughters' lives," says Webb, 35. "He came to me with the idea to rewrite Cash Money's popular song "Get Your Roll On" to promote reading among young people as part of our Hip Hop and Books Campaign. It made perfect sense, and from there we got together and wrote the song. The only thing left to do was get someone to record it."

Choosing Dj Down South was a no-brainer for Webb. "Down South had been a part of our Hip Hop and Books literacy campaign since I co-founded it in 2008 with Platinum-selling recording artist and bestselling author Corey "C-Murder" Miller in 2008," says Webb. "He saw what we were trying to do, and the rest is history."

The song "Get Your Read On" will be used as the theme for not just the Hip Hop and Books campaign but Webb's entire initiative to encourage reading among all age groups and backgrounds. "We have to do whatever it takes to get people enjoying books again," says Webb. "This song is just one part of my plan to do that in 2011. I am already working on a video for Youtube featuring the song, and we are gathering an impressive body of influential individuals together to promote reading's importance as well."

Celebrities that have already joined the campaign include actress/director/author Cherie Johnson (Punky Brewster/Family Matters), actor/author/recording artist Tray Chaney (HBO's The Wire), Vanessa and Angela Simmons (Pastry), recording artists Fizz and Booz and many more.

"Get Your Read On" is available for free download at www.esnips.com/web/getyourreadon. Webb hopes that people will share the song and use it as a catalyst to make books a part of their daily lives.

For more information about Shadow Play Entertainment's literacy campaign, visit www.hiphopandbooks.net, www.taketimetoread.com or contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

"Some wonder what is the defintion of success. Success is when your
preperation meets your opportunities which is acheived through
reading. Reading is the foundation of your future." - Authentic
www.authentic.phxcomp.com

Shadow Play Ent. Announces The Return of Conversations Magazine's print edition

Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to announce the return of Conversations Magazine's print edition.

Founded by Mississippi native Cyrus Webb,35, as the third component of the Conversations Brand (following Conversations the radio and tv shows), Conversations Magazine originally debuted in print in April 2006. Months later Webb and founding member Stanley Clark would begin Conversations the book club. Based solely on subscriptions at the time and sold online, the magazine gained a modest 100 monthly subscribers to the publication that focused almost entirely on books and those who were living their dreams as published authors.

Like other publications, when costs outweighted the actual profit of the publication, Webb made the decision in 2008 to take Conversations completely online. Ironically, it was that year that the Conversations Brand began to change, including health and fitness items, food and then in 2009 adding fashion. Today, thanks to the eclectic nature of the brand, Conversations the radio show averages over 100,000 online listeners each month, garnering partnerships with national as well as up-and-coming businesses.

"The timing is just right," says Webb, who has been building the Conversations brand since the first component Conversations the radio show began on WMPR 90.1 FM in Jackson in July 2003. "Conversations has grown alot since the print edition of Conversations last saw the light of day. I think more importantly I have grown in my understanding that you have to feed more than a person's love of books. You have to feed their love of life. That is what my team it doing."

The reemergence of the print edition of Conversations Magazine will take place in mid-November with the December 2010/January 2011 issue. The 40 page edition will feature Conversations' Top 100 Books of 2010, profiles of authors Nancy T.Rosenberg, Mikki Zimmerman, Michael Dillon Scott and entrepreneurs like actor/author/recording artist Tray Chaney, actress/director/author Cherie Johnson and model/actor Nicoye Banks. Also included will be styling tips by fashion designer Gail Ambeau, cooking tips by Chef Bruce Tretter, and musical profiles of Laura Pascarella, The Artist Company and the rap groups Authentic and Dem Raleigh Boyz as well as Conversations' Artist of the Year 2010.

The magazine will be available at independent bookstores in Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Pearl/Brandon and online at www.conversationsmag.com. It will be marketed through paid ads on Facebook,social networking sites, posters, Conversations LIVE radio, and other sites operated by Shadow Play Ent. PDFs of the bi-monthly edition will also be available through www.payloadz.com.

For additional information about Conversations Magazine including how to be featured and advertising in the publication, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or Stanley Clark at 1.773.315.9286. Details can also be found at www.conversationsmag.com.

" 'Promoting literacy one book at a time...'Passionate Writer Publishing chose to start a campaign to promote literacy after one of many events in which readers were in shock that we had African American authors that did not write Urban Fiction. One person (who was African American) even stated that black people do not read. Reading is like a gateway that can open your mind not just to your own surroundings but to the entire world." --- Kelly Aldridge, Passionate Writer Publishing Client Services www.passionatewriterpublishing.com




"Reading is very important because it broadens our horizons as people. It taps into our creative imagination and allows us to travel to other worlds that are beyond the normal scope of reach in our everyday lives. While reading, like going on a fieldtrip, we gather data at firsthand and then afterwards we return to normalcy. However, the adventure and the journey can always starts all over again just by picking up a book and reading." --- Kevin Benton, Author of 'A Field Trip to Hell' www.kevinbentonministries.com

*************************************************

"A book is the GPS of my mind while I am driving in the fast lane; a primary reason I joined a speed reading team in Boarding School at the age of 13. My ancestors would meet late at night while risk being caught and killed to learn this wonderful gift so many people take for granted. As an international recording artist I need to have an extensive vocabulary. As a result of education, I am now able to read and speak three languages fluently."

Young Dread, recording artist www.YoungDread.com





"Reading is believing in yourself, in your history and in your future!" --- Cherie Johnson http://www.twitter.com/cheriejohnson75


"Reading sparks the mind which ignites a vision, through visions dreams are born. Don't be afraid to dream for when it comes true your LIFE will be the DREAM" --- Michael Silas of BRAVO's STEP IT UP AND DANCE and the Haus of Gaga



"No matter where you live, reading is something you can't get away from. The bottom line is simple: If you can't read, you're not going to be able to function to the best of your ability. That's the message I want to get out to my fans and the world. That's the challenge I'm willing to take it on with TAKE TIME TO READ." --- Bigg Marv, label consultant/star of A&E's HAMMERTIME www.twitter.com/biggmarv


"Some think that just because you sing, dance or rap that you don't have to take education and things like reading seriously. That couldn't be further from the truth. The music industry is a business, and if you are going to be successful in it, you are going to need to know how to read things like contracts, etc. You can't take anything for granted. After the music is gone, you will always have what you know to keep you going. That takes just as much interest in reading as your craft itself." --- Joey Calendar and Brite Mic Entertainment www.britemic.com


"Projects like Hip Hop and Books and TAKE TIME TO READ allow recording artists like me to stand shoulder to shoulder with others doing what I love and promote something positive like reading and books at the same time. Without the ability to read, you're lost. As a father, I realize that even more." --- Kinesis, recording artist

Bigg Marv of A&E's HAMMERTIME Named Hip Hop and Books National Spokesperson

(August 4, 2010) Shadow Play Entertainment and the Hip Hop and Books Literacy Campaign are pleased to announce that Bigg Marv, known to many as the cousin of celebrated rapper/businessman M. C. Hammer and co-star of the hit reality show HAMMERTIME on A&E, is the new spokesperson for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.


"Bigg Marv is someone who is committed to seeing individuals succeed and better themselves," says Hip Hop and Books Founder Cyrus Webb, 35. "We are excited to bring his enthusiasm and excitement to not just the Hip Hop and Books project but Shadow Play Entertainment as a whole."

Webb began Hip Hop and Books in 2008 with the mission of encouraging reading among lovers of Hip Hop and and the community it represents. The organization partners with recording artists and provides free books for those who attend their events. To date over $5,000.00 in free books have been distributed with encouraging results across the country.

Bigg Marv is the third spokesperson for Hip Hop and Books, following platinum-selling recording artist/bestselling author Corey "C-Murder" Miller and rapper/author Jacki-O. As spokesperson he will travel around the country sharing the message about the importance of reading and providing suggestions of books that appeal to the urban community and address issues that relate to them. Talking about the reason why Bigg Marv was chosen, Webb says that his commitment to working with young people and organizations like Hodge Podge and the Boys and Girls Club was a big factor, as well as his role in developing musical talent.

To find out more about Hip Hop and Books and its plans for the future, visit www.hiphopandbooks.net. You can also contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com, 601.896.5616 or www.shadowplayent.com.

(August 2010) News From Shadow Play Entertainment

What a year it has been for Shadow Play Entertainment and its various subsidiaries. Month after month has been full of activity, and August seems to be no different. Below are the most current updates:

* Conversations Book Club has chosen "The Skinny On" series as its selection of the month for August 2010. Created by Jim Randel, it is the perfect set of books to address many of the issues Americans are dealing with from day-to-day. For details, visit www.theskinnyon.com

* CONVERSATIONS LIVE RADIO: After celebrating its 7th year on the radio in July 2010, Conversations LIVE Radio will bring you over 50 guests during the month of August 2010 that will span the arts, entertainment and current events that you have been hearing about. To see the full listing of guests, click this link: http://conversationslive.blogspot.com/2010/07/coming-up-in-august-2010-on.html

* (Sat. Aug. 7, 2010) Bestselling authr Roy Glenn will travel to Hinds, Rankin and Madison counties on Sat. August 7, 2010 to promote his newest book. For details of his schedule, visit this link:
http://conversationsbookclub.blogspot.com/2010/07/sat-aug-7-2010-mississippi-welcomes.html

* (Tues. Aug. 10, 2010) Motivational speaker and author Shay Olivarria will be in Mississippi on Tues. Aug. 10, 2010 sharing ways to make the best use of money using her book MONEY MATTERS. For details of her visit, click here: http://conversationsbookclub.blogspot.com/2010/07/tues-aug-10-2010-mississippi-welcomes.html

* (Saturday, August 14, 2010) ---- Shadow Play Entertainment will be hosting its next Hip Hop and Books Literacy Rally on Sat. August 14, 2010 beginning at 4p.m. at Smith Park (302 Amite St. *Jackson, MS). The free event will include performances by Mississippi's own Unik, Spida, Young Boi Hulk as well as special guests Joey Calendar and Pryce of Brite Mic Ent. from Oakland, California and Hip Hop and Books newest spokesperson Bigg Marv. For details visit this link: http://artbooksandbeats.blogspot.com/2010/07/west-coast-hip-hop-joins-south-in.html

* The Hip Hop and Books Literacy Campaign welcomes its new National Spokesperson, Bigg Marv. Known to many as the cousin of rap superstar M. C. Hammer and one of the co-stars of the hip reality show on A&E HAMMERTIME, Marv has been making moves promoting causes he believes in. Currently he is the President of the teen-driven non-profit HODGE PODGE, and will be traveling the country promoting the importance of reading and staying in school. For more details, visit www.hiphopandbooks.net.

* INSPIRATIONAL CONVERSATIONS'S NEW ONLINE HOME: The newest member of th Conversations radio family has been the creation of "Inspirational Conversations" on Sunday mornings at 10:30a.m. EST (9:30a.m. CST/7:30a.m. PT). Hosted by Cyrus Webb and author Mary E. Gilder, the program is designed to give listeners a message and motivation as they head into a new week. You can now keep up with the show, hear from the hosts and listen to past episodes online at http://inspirationconversations.blogspot.com.

To stay abreast of all the most recent news with Shadow Play Entertainment, visit www.shadowplayent.com. You can also contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.