June 28, 2019 - Today on The Tom Joyner Morning Show, Tom introduced listener favorite Rickey Smiley as the successor to the morning anchor position established by Tom over the course of 25 years. Joyner, who is retiring at the end of the year, acknowledged that Smiley has established himself as a trusted leader on-air and in the community with his current show, captivating audiences with his authentic humor but also his unique perspective on topics important to his audience. Smiley also announced that Eva Marcille and Gary Wit Da Tea would be among the on-air cast members joining him to broadcast out of the Dallas studios beginning January 2020. Additional details about the show will be shared in the coming months. ​

Joyner reflected on his accomplishments and the future, “I’m happy to see the landscape of Urban AC morning radio continue to expand with Rickey, and I’m proud of the doors the Tom Joyner Morning Show opened. Twenty-five years ago, there was no template for a syndicated Urban radio show and we worked hard to prove that we could successfully produce and market a national platform that would entertain, inform and empower African-American listeners. We broke some ground, raised the bar for what audiences expected from Black radio all while partying with a purpose. Yeah, we’ve done a lot but there’s still a lot left to be done. I’m confident that Rickey’s activism along with his love for radio, the community, and HBCUs, will pick up where we left off.” ​

​Reach Media’s other current morning Urban AC program, The Russ Parr Morning Show, will also continue in syndication into 2020.

BACKGROUND: Rickey Smiley Morning Show Brand and Trajectory
The Rickey Smiley Morning Show has been recognized for its excellence in connecting with its listeners, and continues to grow with the belief that “Radio is community”. The industry took notice in 2017 awarding Rickey with the NAB Radio Marconi Award as the top national/syndicated talent. Rickey uses personality, humor, conviction and relevant information to deliver a high-energy morning show engaging his listening community in unexpected ways. His show has distinguished itself with its innovative mix of entertainment and an unfiltered view on contemporary black life and parenthood, focusing on family, community and mentorship.
 
Smiley uses his radio platform to express his belief that “we are responsible for each other”, including purchasing a car for a young man profiled on social media who persisted through a daily 3-hour bus commute to his high school for well over a year in order to graduate. Similarly, the discovery of a co-host’s history with domestic violence prompted Rickey to put a spotlight on the urgency of the issue along with the resources available to provide support to victims.
 
Having attended Alabama State University and participated in numerous HBCU tours, Smiley is an ardent supporter of education - especially Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
 
Rickey reinforces his radio brand 24/7 interacting online, socially with 5 million followers, through his stand-up comedy, reality-based TV shows, and publishing – all amplifying his voice!

BACKGROUND: Tom Joyner’s Career and Influence
In his 25 years as a leader in the industry, Tom Joyner’s impact and influence have never wavered. His morning “Party with a Purpose” revolutionized radio when it became the first morning show with music in syndication. Known widely as “The Hardest Working Man in Radio,” Joyner has made a career of doing the extraordinary in order to serve his audience: flying round-trip between Dallas and Chicago five days a week for seven years hosting morning drive and afternoons in two different cities; raising money to support students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities with The Tom Joyner Foundation; producing and hosting a celebration of black families and communities, the Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion; galvanizing his listeners to provide relief funds for survivors of natural disasters. The Tom Joyner Morning Show is heard as a guide to the future of communications in the African-American community, consistently promoting relevant issues and social causes that need attention and action.

About Urban One, Inc.
Urban One, Inc. (urban1.com), together with its subsidiaries, is the largest diversified media company that primarily targets Black Americans and urban consumers in the United States. The Company owns TV One, LLC (tvone.tv), a television network serving more than 59 million households, offering a broad range of original programming, classic series and movies designed to entertain, inform and inspire a diverse audience of adult Black viewers. CLEO TV (mycleo.tv), a lifestyle and entertainment network targeting Millennial and Gen X women of color that launched in January 2019, is fully owned by TV One, LLC, a brand of Urban One, Inc. As one of the nation's largest radio broadcasting companies, Urban One currently owns and/or operates 59 broadcast stations (including HD stations we operate) branded under the tradename "Radio One" in 15 urban markets in the United States. Through its controlling interest in Reach Media, Inc. (blackamericaweb.com), the Company also operates syndicated programming including the Tom Joyner Morning Show, the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, the Russ Parr Morning Show and the DL Hughley Show.
In addition to its radio and television broadcast assets, Urban One owns iOne Digital (ionedigital.com), our wholly owned digital platform serving the African-American community through social content, news, information, and entertainment websites, including its Cassius, Bossip, HipHopWired and MadameNoire digital platforms and brands.
We also have invested in a minority ownership interest in MGM National Harbor, a gaming resort located in Prince George's County, Maryland. Through our national multi-media operations, we provide advertisers with a unique and powerful delivery mechanism to the African-American and urban audiences.

Norcross, Georgia
​July 27, 2019
FREE EVENT

Fourth of July - Stone Mtn.
July 1 - 7, 2019
Enjoy a spectacular laser show and then fireworks every evening during Fantastic Fourth Celebration at Stone Mountain Park.
Free except parking.

Atlanta attractions
July 1 - Sept. 30, 2019
 (also June)
multiple locations
These discount prices include all taxes and fees.

• Aquarium + CNN + Coca-Cola + 2 moreCityPass gets you into 5 attractions for $84.
• The King CenterFree admission and parking
• Planetarium show at Fernbank Science CenterTicket deal 2 for $9
  
  

Third of July - Norcross
July 3, 2019
Red White & BOOM! has bounce houses (cost), food trucks, DJ music from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., and fireworks about 9:25 p.m. in Lillian Webb Park. Free.

Third of July - Duluth
July 3, 2019
 (5:30 to 10 p.m.)
Duluth Celebrates America includes bands, children’s activities, food trucks, vendors, and fireworks (9:45 p.m.) on the Town Green. Free.

Fourth of July - Six Flags
July 3 - 6, 2019
See fireworks every night at dusk during July 4th Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia.

Rock musical
July 3 - Aug. 18, 2019
Tony Award winner Hair features the music, culture, and controversy of hippies who opposed the Vietnam War, performed outdoors in The Wildflower Meadow at Serenbe Playhouse.Ticket deal $9 to $25

Fourth of July - Centennial Park
July 4, 2019
Centennial Olympic Park has confirmed that it will host the 2019 4th of July Celebration, which features top music artists and fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Arrive early since gates may close when the park is full. Free.

Fourth of July - aquarium
July 4, 2019
 (7 to 10 p.m.)
A ticket to Red White & Brew includes unlimited beer and cider samples, a BBQ dinner, live music, aquarium exhibits (7 to 9 p.m.), and views of fireworks from the top of the parking garage (9:45 p.m.) for age 21+.

Fourth of July - East Point
July 4, 2019
Salute to the Red, White and Blue includes a food court, live music, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. near City Hall in East Point. Bring blankets and chairs but no food or pets. Free.

Fourth of July - Sandy Springs
July 4, 2019
Music begins at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:45 p.m. at Sandy Springs Stars and Stripes Celebration on the lawn at Concourse Corporate Center. Free.

Fourth of July - Marietta
July 4, 2019
Fourth in the Park features a 10 a.m. parade, arts & crafts booths, food, carnival games, and live music at Marietta Square, followed by fireworks launched from First United Methodist Church at dark. Free.

Barbecue in Roswell
July 4, 2019
Barbecue & Bluegrass features live music, a children’s area, and vendors of barbecue, beer, soft drinks, and desserts on the grounds of Barrington Hall. Free entry.

Fourth of July - Lilburn
July 4, 2019
 (5:30 to 10 p.m.)
Bring lawn chairs or blankets to Sparkle in the Park, which has food vendors, bounce houses (cost), a band at 7:30 p.m., and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Free.

Fourth of July - Roswell
July 4, 2019
Fireworks Extravaganza has food trucks beginning at 5:30 p.m., live music beginning at 6 p.m. and fireworks at dark at Roswell High School. Bring blankets or chairs. Free.

Fourth of July - Alpharetta
July 4, 2019
Enjoy family activities, bands, food vendors, and fireworks at dusk at 4th of July Celebration at Wills Park. Free.

Fourth of July - Mall of Georgia
July 4, 2019
Star Spangled Fourth at Mall of Georgia has family-friendly activities beginning at 3 p.m., live music at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9:40 p.m., and then a movie (Lego Movie 2, PG) in Buford. Free.

Fourth of July - Henry County
July 4, 2019
The 4th of July Family Fest promises live music, a BBQ contest, 100 vendors, a ticketed kids’ zone, and fireworks at Warren Holder Park in Locust Grove. Free admission, $5 parking. July 6 if it rains.

Fourth of July - Dahlonega
July 4, 2019
4th of July Family Celebration includes a 5K run, an 11 a.m. parade, a patriotic speech at noon, the national anthem, a crafts market, a kids’ zone, a car show, and fireworks at dark in small-town Dahlonega. Free.

Fourth of July - Callaway
July 4, 2019
July 4th Star Spangled Beach Party has beach activities, live music, circus acts, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. (weather permitting) at Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Gardens. See schedule.

Garden party for adults
July 4 - Sept. 26, 2019
 (Thurs. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.)
Cocktails in the Garden invites you to explore the garden each week as you stroll with a cocktail, hear live music, and play games at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Admission fee, cash bar.

Free movies - parks
July 6 - Sept. 6, 2019
 (begins May 25)
See free films outdoors at Georgia Movies in the Park in Canton, Cumming, and Dawsonville.

• July 6 - Small Feet (Canton)
• July 9 - Captain Marvel (Cumming)
• July 20 - Captain Marvel (Woodstock)
• July 23 - Train Dragon: Hidden World (Cumming)

Concerts in Alpharetta parks
July 6 - Sept. 14, 2019
 (Saturdays 7:30 p.m.)
Bring a blanket and a picnic to hear “family-friendly performances by different Alpharetta based entertainment groups” at Brooke Street Park Summer Concert Series. Free.

Free movies - Mableton
July 10 & 24, 2019
 (begins May 29)
See an outdoor movie at the Free Movie Series at Mable House Amphitheatre.

• July 10 - A Wrinkle in Time
• July 24 - How to Train Your Dragon 3

Concerts in the Garden
July 10 - Aug. 25, 2019
 (begins May 24)
See national acts at Concerts in the Garden at Atlanta Botanical Garden. You can pre-order food on the website. The concerts on July 27 & Aug. 25 are in Gainesville.

Short films
July 11 - 13, 2019
Atlanta Shortsfest shows movies under 45 minutes long in a variety of genres at Synchronicity Theatre.

Underground art show
July 12, 2019
 (8 p.m.)
The Atlanta Pancakes & Booze Art Show is a traveling exhibition of 100 artists, with pancakes, live music, body painting, and multimedia displays at GA Freight Depot for age 21+. Pay cash at the door or buy a line-jumper ticket online.

Arcade game expo
July 12 - 14, 2019
Southern-Fried Gaming Expo has 250 arcade and pinball games, tabletop games, vendors, speakers, movies, and a tournament at Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel.

1950s singer Rosemary Clooney
July 12 - 28, 2019
Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical tells the story of the legendary singer and features songs like It’s Only A Paper Moon, Sisters, and Mambo Italiano at Art Station Theater in Stone Mountain.Ticket deal $16

Mexican circus
July 12 - Aug. 4, 2019
Circo Hermanos Vazquez has human cannonballs, graceful dancers, daring acrobats, and crazy clowns in a tent at Plaza Fiesta near DeKalb-Peachtree Airport. The show is visual, with announcements made in both English and Spanish.Ticket deal $5 to $45

Field day in the park
July 13, 2019
Sign up your eight-person team to compete in zany outdoor contests for prizes at Atlanta Field Day in Historic Fourth Ward Park.

Elegant party
July 13, 2019
 (7 to 10 p.m.)
Celebrate French Bastille Day in all-white cocktail attire at the $125 Soirée Blanche Bastille Day, with a rooftop fashion show, a silent auction, an open French wine bar, a French buffet, and dancing at Nelson Mullins.

Magic show
July 13, 2019
 (8 p.m.)
Watch three magicians perform with a combination of magic, mentalism, and humor for all ages at Atlanta Magic Night at Red Light Cafe.Ticket deal $11

Reptile Day
July 13, 2019
 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Come face-to-face with live pythons, king snakes, geckos, tortoises, monitors, and iguanas, and see presentations about them on Reptile Day at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Tomato festival
July 14, 2019
 (1 to 5 p.m.)
Enjoy tomato dishes and drinks by some of the South’s best chefs and mixologists plus live music at Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival at Westside Provisions District.

Free concerts in Sandy Springs
July 14 - Sept. 8, 2019
 (7 to 8:30 p.m.)
Concerts by the Springs are held on one Sunday a month at Heritage Green, 6110 Blue Stone Road. Bring food and drinks, or buy them onsite. Beach chairs and blankets are welcome. Free.

Taste local food
July 15, 2019
 (5 to 8 p.m.)
“Enjoy local food prepared by Atlanta’s top chefs” plus “a selection of beverages, live music, cooking and art demonstrations, garden tours, and a silent auction” at AgLanta Eats at Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Monthly family festival
July 18, 2019
 (5 to 9 p.m.)
Alive in Roswell has live bands, food trucks, craft beer, vendors, kids’ games, entertainment, and socializing in three locations connected by a free trolley (on Canton Street, in Roswell Square, and behind city hall). Free.

Shakespeare comedy
July 18 - Aug. 11, 2019
Full of romance, mischief, and whimsy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is the comical story of four young lovers caught up in a quarrel between the king & queen of the fairies, at Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse.Ticket deal $8 to $19

Summer jazz
July 19, 2019
 (8 to 11 p.m.)
Hear great jazz once a month this summer during Jazz Matters at The Wren’s Nest.Ticket deal $10 to $13

Scrapbook Expo
July 19 - 20, 2019
Scrapbookers find classes, vendors, and crop parties at the Stamp & Scrapbook Expo at Infinite Energy Forum in Duluth.Ticket deal $6

Georgia Mountain Fair
July 19 - 27, 2019
Georgia Mountain Fair has family-friendly music, an arts & crafts show, carnival rides, and a parade in Hiawassee.

British magicians
July 20, 2019
 (7:30 p.m.)
Champions of Magic features amazing “levitation, disappearances, teleportation, and a heart-stopping finale” at Fox Theatre.Ticket deal $33

A day on the river
July 20, 2019
Rent a tube, raft, kayak, or paddle board (or bring your own) for Whatever Floats Your Boat, with live music, yard games, and food for sale at Rogers Bridge Park in Duluth. You must bring or rent a life jacket to wear and be age 5+ to go on the water. Free entry.

Fashion show
July 20, 2019
Small Boutique Fashion Week is a runway show and market of 20 independent fashion brands at Atlanta Banquets in Suwanee.

Tennis tournament
July 20 - 28, 2019
The Atlanta Open is a televised annual men’s tennis tournament held at Atlantic Station.

Girls’ basketball tournament
July 23 - 25, 2019
Watch hundreds of teenage teams compete at the Tournament of Champions at Georgia World Congress Center.

Gourmet gala
July 24, 2019
Summer in the City promises “an evening of fine wine, delicious food, and an exciting auction” at The Fairmont to support charity.

Family bubble party
July 24, 2019
 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Back to School Bubblepalooza has bubbles for the kids, large games, and DJ music on Duluth Town Green. Free.

Macon festival
July 26 - 27, 2019
Hear 60 rock, blues, and soul-infused bands in multiple venues at Bragg Jam Concert Crawl in Macon. Saturday also has an Arts & Kids festival (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), with art vendors, food trucks, and kids’ activities in the plaza at Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.

African dance festival
July 26 - 28, 2019
Atlanta African Dance and Drum Festival offers dance and drum classes, an African inspired craft market with food vendors, a kids’ camp (Friday 9 a.m.), and a concert (Saturday 8 p.m.) at Covenant House of Georgia.

Free concerts in Sandy Springs
July 26, 2019
 (6:30 p.m.)
Bring a blanket or lawn chair, food and drinks (except alcohol, which is sold onsite), and money for food trucks to City Green Live for free concerts on select Fridays.

Beer & bites in a brewery
July 27, 2019
 (12 to 4 p.m.)
A ticket to Old 320 Beer Fest includes a tasting room with restaurant bites, 30 breweries offering unlimited sampling, and live entertainment at Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery.

Ice cream festival
July 27, 2019
Atlanta Ice Cream Festival features ice cream for sale, entertainment, vendors, and fitness events at Piedmont Park. You can bring chairs and umbrellas but no pets. Free entry.

Zombie Pub Crawl
July 27, 2019
Atlanta Zombie Pub Crawl for age 21+ begins at Diesel Filling Station and features makeup artists plus food & drink specials at multiple pubs. Wear sunscreen.

Dance battle
July 28, 2019
 (7 p.m.)
See the stars of the the Lifetime dance reality show Bring It! when they perform live at the Fox Theatre, including Miss D and her fierce Dancing Dolls.Ticket deal $28 to $34

​(NEW YORK, NY) – June 21, 2019 – Returning from its four-year hiatus, America’s most inspirational singing competition, “Sunday Best,” makes its triumphant return to BET on Sunday, June 30that 8/7c with two brand-new back-to-back episodes. The well-established gospel show welcomes back Grammy Award®-winning music legend Kirk Franklin as host, gospel songstress and host of "Get Up Mornings," Erica Campbell as a judge; and added two Grammy-Award® nominated artists Kelly Price and Jonathan McReynolds as new additions to the panel. With a brand-new stage and exciting themed challenges, this season has narrowed down the competition to 20 finalists.

​The new season kicks off for the first time ever with in-person auditions in front of the judges, with no audience.  The contestants have to show their true talent, with no smoke and mirrors, by performing acapella with no band support, as they narrow the field from 20 to the top 10.  For the first time the contestants were able to use an online submissions process, after which the team lead a global search for this year’s contestants, leading up to the much-anticipated live auditions in Dallas, TX, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, GA, and Detroit, MI, Lagos, Nigeria and for the first time-ever London, England and Johannesburg, South Africa, which were open to select international contestants. The top 20 contestants are:

​Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment (BET Awards, The New Edition Story), serves as executive producer of season nine of Sunday Best along with showrunner Josh Greenberg (The Sing-Off, Lip Sync Battle).  Dionne Harmon (The Bobby Brown Story, Hip Hop Squares) and Jeannae Rouzan–Clay (Dear Mama, Black Girls Rock!) and are co-executive producers.

​Are you ready for another year of great music in Dallas, Texas?  The Riverfront Jazz Festival is back for the 3rd year and once again, with a great line up of musical artists to enjoy over the Labor Day Weekend. 

​blues, R&B and soul music. Also, there was a stage for Promising Young Artists from Dallas/Fort Worth, showcasing youth from area schools and music programs in day-long back-to-back performances.

RHONDA ROSS
RODNEY KENDRICK
AVERY SUNSHINE
BILAL
OLETA ADAMS
REMEMBERING JAZZ LEGEND NANCY WILSON
MIKE PHILLIPS, NESTOR TORRES
​CASSANDRA WILSON

​Singer/Actor Tony Hightower (native to the city of Atlanta) speaks with Jermaine Sain on When We Speak about his new jazz album, "The New Standard".  You've seen Tony Hightower in many Tyler Perry plays such as Madea Gets A Job, The Have and Have Nots, Madea On The Run, and others. In addition to his acting career, Tony Hightower is also a singer who was a former member of the R&B group 4.0 which was signed to Peebles Reid's label. He has so work with artists and greats such as Ceelo, Outkast, Gerald Levert, and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, to name a few.