"Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation" Teaser Trailer Debuts

Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation
In theaters July 31, 2015

Watch the first teaser: https://youtu.be/tNPZGc0WmfM

Read director Christopher McQuarrie and star Tom Cruise's interview with USA Today for more new photos: http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/03/22/mission-impossible-5-first-look-tom-cruise/25057655/

Ethan and team take on their most impossible mission yet, eradicating the Syndicate – an International rogue organization as highly skilled as they are, committed to destroying the IMF.

MissionImpossible.com
facebook.com/MissionImpossibleMovie
twitter.com/MissionFilm
instagram.com/MissionImpossible

Dark Horse Announces Paperback Edition of "The Fifth Beatle" Graphic Novel for October 2015

#1 ‘NEW YORK TIMES’ BESTSELLER ‘THE FIFTH BEATLE’ HEADS TO PAPERBACK

INCLUDES NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN SKETCHES AND ESSAYS, PLUS BONUS MATERIAL FROM THE SOUGHT-AFTER COLLECTOR’S EDITION

Paul McCartney: “If anyone was the fifth Beatle, it was Brian.”

MILWAUKIE, OR—This October, Dark Horse Comics invites you to experience the award-winning The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story in a whole new format, as the incredible original graphic novel written / produced by Vivek J. Tiwary with art by Andrew C. Robinson and Kyle Baker, heads to trade paperback for the first time.

This edition of the gorgeous, Eisner Award–winning original graphic novel recounting the untold story of visionary Beatles manager Brian Epstein—who engineered Beatlemania and guided the band from basement gigs to unprecedented international stardom— also includes bonus background material from the sought-after collector’s edition, including a revised sketchbook and Beatles memorabilia bonus section with insights from Vivek Tiwary and Andrew Robinson.

The new paperback edition will also include new art and concept material from artist Kyle Baker, such as the never-before-seen Sgt. Pepper piece pictured here, as well as an excerpt from Vivek Tiwary’s TEDxFultonStreet talk, “The Birth of the Beatles and Impossible Dreams,” and his essay, “The Curtain Rising,” detailing Brian Epstein’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Winner of the Eisner and Harvey Awards, and a Lambda Literary Award Finalist for Best LGBT Graphic Novel, the number-one New York Times bestseller The Fifth Beatle recounts the untold story of visionary Beatles manager Brian Epstein—who created Beatlemania and guided the band from basement gigs to unprecedented international stardom. Paul McCartney said, “If anyone was the fifth Beatle, it was Brian.”

Winner of the Eisner and Harvey Awards, and a Lambda Literary Award Finalist for Best LGBT Graphic Novel, the number-one New York Times bestseller The Fifth Beatle has been added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives, and is currently being adapted into a major motion picture. The Fifth Beatle film adaptation, written and produced by Tiwary, is the first-ever feature film about the Beatles to secure music rights to their songs and has been granted unprecedented access to the Lennon/McCartney music catalog. It is scheduled to begin shooting in 2015. More info can be found at FifthBeatle.com.

Experience Brian Epstein’s rise with the Beatles, lauded by critics from the New York Times to the Hollywood Reporter, for the incredible price of $14.99. Preorder your copy today from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, or your local comics retailer.

Praise for The Fifth Beatle:

“10/10 . . . Brilliant in every aspect.” –IGN’s Best Graphic Novel, 2013

“Heartbreaking, exhilarating and unexpected . . . A complete triumph.” —The Hollywood Reporter

“A wonderfully eccentric telling of one of the great unsung architects of 20th Century culture, with luminous art by two modern masters of the field.” —Warren Ellis (Gun Machine, Red)

“Reveals an unexpected side of the Beatles’ manager and renders the Beatles’ story in a fresh, sophisticated way—full of poetic variation and surprising delicacy.” —Dave Marsh (Born to Run: The Bruce Springsteen Story, The Beatles’ Second Album)


About Dark Horse
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, EVE Online, Halo, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

ABOUT VIVEK J. TIWARY
Vivek J. Tiwary is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, and the founder of multi-platform arts and entertainment company Tiwary Entertainment Group.

Vivek’s graphic novel The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story, based on the untold life story of Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein, received worldwide critical acclaim and won a number of prestigious literary awards including the Will Eisner Comic Industry Award for Best Reality-Based Work and two Harvey Awards including Best Original Graphic Novel. It is a Lambda Literary Finalist for Best LGBT Graphic Novel, an American Library Association Great Graphic Novel for Teens, and has been added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives Permanent Collection. The Fifth Beatle is now being adapted into a feature film that has secured unprecedented access to Beatles music and is on-track to shoot in 2015. Vivek is writing its screenplay and will serve as a producer.

On Broadway, Vivek’s productions have won a combined 25 Tony Awards over 44 Tony nominations—every single one of his shows has been decorated. They include such groundbreaking work as Green Day’s “American Idiot,” “A Raisin In The Sun,” and Mel Brooks’ “The Producers”. Vivek is currently working with Alanis Morissette and Pulitzer and Tony Award-winner Tom Kitt to adapt Morissette’s breakthrough album “Jagged Little Pill” for Broadway.

Vivek also serves on the Board of Directors for Valiant Entertainment, a multi-platform company that boasts the third largest and most-loved universe of comic book characters and has been hailed by the New York Times as “Marvel 2.0”.

Prior to founding TEG and online music education/empowerment company StarPolish, Vivek held a number of major label music-industry positions and has worked with artists covering the entire musical spectrum from Bruce Springsteen to Britney Spears.

Among many charitable pursuits, Vivek is the Co-Founder of Musicians On Call, a nonprofit organization that uses music and entertainment to complement the healing process.

Vivek is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of both the Wharton School of Business and the University of Pennsylvania’s College of Arts and Sciences, and a cum laude graduate of the Collegiate School in New York City. He also holds a filmmaking certificate from The New York Film Academy and is an acting student of Susan Batson/Black Nexxus Acting Studio.

He lives in New York with his inspiring wife Tracy, their delightful children Kavi and Nandini, and a feisty papillon named Sukhi.

Vivek is represented by Lawrence Mattis and David Alpert at Circle of Confusion, and for speaking engagements by Zach Radoski at APB Speakers.

www.circleofconfusion.com
www.apbspeakers.com

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Jay Gunn Talks About His New Comic Book, "Surface Tension"

WE ARE ALL MADE OF WATER.

This May sees the release of Surface Tension #1 (from Titan Comics), a new creator-owned comic book series by Jay Gunn. Advanced reviews describe Surface Tension as "mysterious and intriguing", and "Princess Mononoke meets The Walking Dead".

This genre-bending ecological fable with elements of horror and fantasy is difficult to define with one exception - the quality of both art and storytelling is outstanding. There is no doubt that Surface Tension is "set to be a monstrous hit" (Laura Sneddon, Comics Beat).

Owen Johnson, Senior Press and Marketing Officer for Titan Comics sat down with Jay to discuss his new series, the influences behind it, and what readers can expect.

OWEN: Why comics?

JAY GUNN: Creator owned comics are one of the few visual mediums where you can still present complex ideas and themes and also be entertaining without having to sacrifice integrity or vision. I've always loved comics when I was a kid, 2000ad blew my mind. Now I get to read comics on a wide range of subjects and cultures. There's more to comics than just super heroes.
How did you some up with the idea of Surface Tension?

It came out of a debate that I had with a friend. At the time I was quite pessimistic about the human race and was of the opinion that the planet would be better without us. My friend was convinced that we would eventually learn to live in harmony with the planet.

I decided to take this debate and make it the backbone of a story, turning the two differing opinions into fictional characters, both of whom have the power to save or to destroy the world. Who would win and would the winning outcome be for the best?

OWEN: What can readers expect from the mini-series?

JAY GUNN: Lots of monsters, melting people, mystery and suspense! Actually, the book works on two fronts - on the surface it is a sci-fi horror romp that has lots of action and tension. Secondly, under the surface, the book is positing lots of questions to the reader; about our place in the world and do we deserve to survive when we've done so much harm.

There are lots of twists during the story, nothing is as it first seems. The book is not a typical 'post apocalyptic comic' there's so much more to it than just zombies. The reader will be taken on a great adventure, it's going to get very crazy in later episodes!

OWEN: What are the key influences on Surface Tension?

JAY GUNN: I've always responded positively to science fiction or horror that are parables or have something to say. John Wyndham's novel The Day of the Triffids or Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke are good examples of the sort of balance that I was aiming to achieve with Surface Tension.

I also put a lot of my own life experiences into the book. When I was a child my family lived near to a massive chemical plant that exploded and decimated a nearby village. I was then fascinated with how nature reclaimed that poisoned land. Just one of the many elements that influenced scenes in the story.

OWEN: Pat Mills described Surface Tension as, "written and drawn with passion" What does creating this comic book mean to you?

JAY GUNN: I poured a lot of myself into this book and I thought, if I only ever get the chance to make one book then I wanted it to 'mean something.' Not just for me but for the reader. We live in turbulent times and I didn't want to make a book that is a simply a reflection of our capacity to hate. I wanted to make something that inspires hope, even in the darkest of times.

I had a life threatening illness when writing and drawing this book and there was a time when I wasn't sure if I would actually see the end of the book. I decided to put that life changing experience into the story, you can see it in the way some of the characters evolve and change.

The fact that I achieved my goal, beat the illness and created a book that I'm very proud of was all the passion I needed. The story reflects that journey, it tells us that we should never ever give up.


Diamond Comics Order Codes: COVER A. Order Code: MAR151531       COVER B. Order Code: MAR151532

Watch the preview trailer for Surface Tension: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Px48D2F1aRQ

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Webcomics Update: Grumble #1 Page 21

Page 21 is here: http://www.comicbookbin.com/grumbleone021.html

Dark Horse Comics is at Emerald City Comicon 2015

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES EMERALD CITY COMICON 2015 SCHEDULE

MILWAUKIE, OR— Dark Horse Comics is headed to the Pacific Northwest’s foremost and now sold out pop culture convention – Emerald City Comicon.

Visit Dark Horse Comics at ECCC booth #802 for free swag such as comics, buttons, posters, and more!  Attendees can check out DHC show exclusives, signings, and panels, too!

EMERALD CITY COMICON EXCLUSIVES

A set quantity will be available at opening each day of the show. Limit of 5 per person per day while supplies last. Each comic is $5.00.

Frankenstein Underground #1 ECCC exclusive variant cover by Mike Mignola (1,000 copies)

Prometheus: Fire and Stone—Omega ECCC exclusive variant cover by Patric Reynolds (500 copies)

Lady Killer #1 ECCC exclusive variant cover by Joelle Jones (500 copies)

Past Aways #1 ECCC exclusive variant cover by Scott Kolins (500 copies)

Conan Red Sonja #1 limited-edition black-and-white variant cover by Dan Panosian (1,000 copies)

We’ll also have a variety of Dark Horse comics, graphic novels, art books, and collectibles for sale in our booth.

SIGNING SCHEDULE

All creators signing in our booth offer their autographs for FREE. FREE prints, comics, or posters are provided for signings (while supplies last). You may purchase or bring items to be signed; however, we may restrict the type or number of items to be signed as necessary. Please note that some of the titles listed below have not been released for sale yet—in those cases, special prints will be available.

Lines may also be closed for some signings due to crowding or time restrictions.

All events are subject to change. Some restrictions apply. Please ask the Dark Horse Comics staff if you have questions.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

11:00 a.m.–11:50 a.m.  MIDNIGHT SOCIETY: Drew Edward Johnson

12:00 p.m.–12:50 p.m.  FRANKENSTEIN UNDERGROUND: Mike Mignola
Frankenstein Underground #1 ECCC exclusive variant cover by Mike Mignola available for sale

1:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. THE WHITE SUITS: Frank Barbiere

1:00 p.m.–1:50 p.m.
MURDER BOOK: Ed Brisson, Simon Roy
TIGER LUNG: Simon Roy
HIGH CRIMES: Christopher Sebela, Ibrahim Moustafa

2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m.
THE MASSIVE: Garry Brown
EMPOWERED: Adam Warren

3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m.
ABE SAPIEN: Max Fiumara
GRINDHOUSE: Chris Peterson

4:00 p.m.–4:50 p.m.
CONAN RED SONJA, LEAVING MEGALOPOLIS, TOMB RAIDER: Gail Simone
LEAVING MEGALOPOLIS: Jim Calafiore
CONAN RED SONJA: Jim Zub
Conan Red Sonja #1 limited-edition black-and-white variant cover by Dan Panosian available for sale

5:00 p.m.–5:50 p.m.
FINDER: Carla Speed McNeil
NEVERBOY: Tyler Jenkins, Kelly Fitzpatrick

6:00 p.m.–6:50 p.m.
ALIEN VS. PREDATOR: FIRE AND STONE: Christopher Sebela
ALIENS: FIRE AND STONE: Chris Roberson, Patric Reynolds
PREDATOR: FIRE AND STONE: Christopher Mooneyham
PROMETHEUS: FIRE AND STONE: Paul Tobin
Prometheus: Fire and Stone—Omega ECCC exclusive variant cover by Patric Reynolds available for sale

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015

11:00 a.m.–11:50 a.m. THE SHAOLIN COWBOY: Geof Darrow

12:00 p.m.–12:50 p.m.
SERENITY, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: Georges Jeanty
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: Megan Levens
GIRLFIEND: Pander Brothers

1:00 p.m.–1:50 p.m.
LADY KILLER: Joëlle Jones
  Lady Killer #1 ECCC exclusive variant cover by Joëlle Jones available for sale
BUZZKILL, THE GHOST FLEET, THE PAYBACKS: Donny Cates
THE GHOST FLEET: Daniel Warren Johnson
THE PAYBACKS: Eliot Rahal

2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m.
HARROW COUNTY: Cullen Bunn, Tyler Crook
BANDETTE: Paul Tobin, Colleen Coover
THE WITCHER, COLDER, PROMETHEUS: FIRE AND STONE, PLANTS VS. ZOMBIES:
Paul Tobin

3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m. FIGHT CLUB 2: Chuck Palahniuk, Cameron Stewart, David Mack, Dave Stewart (Ticketed Event)*
4:00 p.m.–4:50 p.m. FIGHT CLUB 2: Chuck Palahniuk (Ticketed Event)*
5:00 p.m.–5:50 p.m. FIGHT CLUB 2: Chuck Palahniuk (Ticketed Event)*
6:00 p.m.–6:50 p.m. FIGHT CLUB 2: Chuck Palahniuk (Ticketed Event)*

Fight Club 2 artists Cameron Stewart, David Mack, and Dave Stewart will be present for part of the 3:00 p.m. signing, depending on their schedules.

*WRISTBAND REQUIRED: Wristbands will be distributed in the Dark Horse booth at show opening on Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28. One wristband per person. Separate wristbands will be assigned for each 50-minute signing and may only be used during that time period. Fight Club 2 #1 is on sale May 27. One free print and one sampler minicomic per wristband will be provided for the signing. No other items allowed. Other restrictions may apply.

SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015

10:00 a.m.–10:50 a.m.   MIDNIGHT SOCIETY: Drew Edward Johnson

11:00 a.m.–11:50 a.m.
PAST AWAYS: Matt Kindt, Scott Kolins, Bill Crabtree
  Past Aways #1 ECCC exclusive variant cover by Scott Kolins available for sale
BLACK HAMMER: Jeff Lemire

12:00 p.m.–12:50 p.m.
ITTY BITTY COMICS, AW YEAH COMICS!: Art Baltazar, Franco
PLANTS VS. ZOMBIES: Paul Tobin, Ron Chan, Jeremy Vanhoozer

1:00 p.m.–1:50 p.m.
HALO: Duffy Boudreau
THE SHAOLIN COWBOY: Geof Darrow

2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m.
DEEP GRAVITY: Gabriel Hardman, Corinna Bechko
POP: Curt Pires
APOCALYPTIGIRL: Andrew MacLean

3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m.
MISFITS OF AVALON: Kel McDonald
EMILY AND THE STRANGERS: Cat Farris

PANEL SCHEDULE

Please join us at the panels below, brought to you by Dark Horse Comics and friends! Please visit http://emeraldcitycomicon.com/programming/ for more panels featuring Dark Horse creators, as well as guidelines for attending panels.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27
3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m.  Hall C  Behind the Scenes: Making Comics

Comics professionals come together to discuss their unique contributions to this beloved medium. Topics include creating engaging characters with Gail Simone (Leaving Megalopolis), transitioning from artist to writer/artist with Joëlle Jones (Lady Killer), business management with Christine Mignola (Hellboy), going from self-publishing to book deal with Colleen Coover (Bandette), breaking into coloring with Kelly Fitzpatrick (Neverboy), and fostering a fan base with online content with Kel McDonald (Misfits of Avalon). Sure to be a great panel for the budding cartoonist eager to explore the craft of making comics!

6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Hall D Dark Horse Comics Builds Characters!

Join Dark Horse Comics and a panel of their incredibly talented artists, writers, and creators to discuss independent comics, creators’ rights, and brand-new projects and hear what’s coming up for the powerhouse publisher for the remainder of 2015. Moderated by Dark Horse publicist Aub Driver and featuring Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook (Harrow County), Curt Pires (POP), the Pander Brothers (Girlfiend), Tyler Jenkins (Neverboy), Joëlle Jones (Lady Killer), Jeff Lemire (Black Hammer), Matt Kindt and Scott Kolins (Past Aways), and Donny Cates and Eliot Rahal (The Paybacks), this is a panel you won’t want to miss!

SATURDAY, MARCH 28
10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Hall D Fight Club 2

Acclaimed novelist Chuck Palahniuk continues one of his most beloved works with Fight Club 2! Join Dark Horse for a discussion of the creation of this story with Chuck Palahniuk, editor Scott Allie, artist David Mack, artist Cameron Stewart, and colorist Dave Stewart.

7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Hall C  The Mignolaverse: Hellboy and Beyond

Hellboy creator Mike Mignola returns to Emerald City Comicon! With recent launches like Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. and Frankenstein Underground, there’s never been more ways to get into Mignola’s world. Join Mignola for news on Hellboy in Hell and a Q&A with some of the writers and artists who help him bring his characters to life—Max Fiumara, Scott Allie, Dave Stewart, and Tyler Crook.

SUNDAY, MARCH 29

11:00 a.m.–11:50 p.m. Hall C Dark Horse Presents Kids and Comics: Plants vs. Zombies, Itty Bitty Hellboy,Avatar: The Last Airbender, and More!

Comics are a great way to get kids interested in art, reading, and storytelling—and, well, they’re fun! Join Steve Sunu (publicity coordinator, Dark Horse Comics), Paul Tobin and Ron Chan (Plants vs. Zombies), Jeremy Vanhoozer (Plants vs. Zombies creative director, PopCap), Art Baltazar and Franco (Itty Bitty Hellboy), and Joan Hilty (comics editor, Nickelodeon) to discover and discuss the ever-growing library of incredible all-ages comics!

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"The Barber" Releases to Video-on-Demand and Select Theatres on March 27, 2015

"The Barber" on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jUDH5-NaAHo

Synopsis: Eugene van Wingerdt (Scott Glenn) is a small-town barber hiding a dark secret. Twenty years earlier he was arrested for several gruesome murders, but was released due to insufficient evidence. The detective in charge of the case killed himself in despair. Now the detective’s son is in town, with a few secrets of his own. Is he seeking revenge or hoping to learn at the feet of the master? Through the film’s myriad twists and turns, you’ll realize there’s much more to evil than you ever could imagine.

Twitter: @theBarbermovie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebarbermovie

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BET Announces #BLACKGIRLSROCK Celebrants

Ava DuVernay, Jada Pinkett Smith, Cicely Tyson, Erykah Badu, Dr. Helene D. Gayle and Nadia Lopez Honored as This Year’s “Black Girls Rock!™” Celebrants

Ciara, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Faith Evans, Fantasia, Sheila E. and Lalah Hathaway Confirmed to Rock the Stage During “Black Girls Rock!™” 2015

Hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King, “Black Girls Rock!™” Will Tape March 28, 2015 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center

#BLACKGIRLSROCK

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BET Networks is excited to reveal this year’s “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™” 2015 celebrants:

Cicely Tyson, Living Legend Award

Ava DuVernay, Shot Caller Award

Dr. Helene D. Gayle, Social Humanitarian Award

Erykah Badu, Rock Star Award

Nadia Lopez, Change Agent Award

Jada Pinkett Smith, Star Power Award

Additionally, Ciara, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Faith Evans, Fantasia, Sheila E. and Lalah Hathaway will be hitting the stage as performers for “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™” 2015 along with surprise musical performances. The televised special celebrates its fifth year honoring the triumphs of inspirational African-American women who are trailblazers in the areas of art, philanthropy, sports, and community service. As previously announced, Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King will co-host the event at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center located in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Tune in to watch “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™” on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015 at 7 pm/ET.

“BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™” nationally broadcast its televised debut on BET Networks in 2010. Going into its fifth year on TV, the dynamic award show continues to represent a revolutionary landmark in media, diverging from traditional award shows by honoring powerful women through didactic, entertaining, and inspiring content. “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™” will air on BET Networks this year for the first time since 2013 and will premiere on BET Networks in the UK on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 9pm BST (check local listings).

For updates or more information about “BLACK GIRLS ROCK! ™” visit http://www.BET.com/blackgirlsrock and www.blackgirlsrock.org

Join the conversation on social media by logging on to BET’s multiple social media platforms:

• On Twitter by using hashtag: #BlackGirlsRock; follow us @BET and @BLACKGIRLSROCK

• On Facebook by liking the fan pages at facebook.com/BET and facebook.com/BLACKGIRLSROCK

• On Instagram @betnetworks and @BLACKGIRLSROCK

ABOUT BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™:
Founded by celebrity DJ and philanthropist, Beverly Bond, BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ is a multifaceted movement dedicated to shifting the culture of media images and empowering women and girls. BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that has been committed to enriching girls through leadership, education, and positive identity development programs since 2006. BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Inc. builds the self-esteem and self-worth of young women of color by changing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons and providing tools for self-empowerment and efficacy. For additional information on BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™, visit http://www.blackgirlsrock.org

ABOUT BET NETWORKS:
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: 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 90 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; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - 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 Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; 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.

ABOUT NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER:
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States. It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey -- where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. As New Jersey’s Town Square, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the State’s and the world’s best artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted over seven million visitors (including more than one million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. Visit http://www.njpac.org or call 1-888-GO-NJPAC for more information.

Follow us @BET_PR

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