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444Howard & Howard Attorneys is proud to support the 2o23 Dream Awards and the next generation of dreamersOur commitment goes beyond thepractice of law.Nevada | Michigan | Illinois | Californiawww.howardandhoward.comA SPECIAL THANK YOU! A SPECIAL THANK YOU! This year we continue to recognize and celebrate entertainment trailblazers, inuencers and innovators who have paved the way and set an example for other ambitious dreamers to become inspired and thrive in the competitive creative arts and journalism community,In carrying my late husband Jimmy “Fashion Plate” Payton who was the entertainer director on the Las Vegas strip. Jimmy worked with legends like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, The Fifth Dimension, and almost every R&B group and singer in the music industry during the 1970’s-90s. Since his passing in 2015, I have worked passionately to keep his “Dream” alive and tonight’s show is a testament to the love and respect that entertainers, actors and journalist far and wide had for Jimmy!Moreover, as part of our investment in the future and commitment to make a difference in Las Vegas, we are proud to announce that a percentage of our proceeds will be donated to the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, one of the premiere arts magnet schools in the nation. Their award-winning programs serve approximately 2,000 students in Clark County, providing them with an opportunity to pursue a conservatory major in the areas of dance, music, theater and visual arts.To our Mistress and Master of Ceremonies Kelly Clinton-Holmes and Earl Turner, thank you for so beautifully commanding the stage. This night could not have happened without our dedicated sponsors; AT&T, Goetz Foundation, The Law ofce of Howard & Howard, Producer Sunny Sessa, Chapman Dodge Jeep and Ram. I truly thank you with all my heart.A very special thank you to all of tonight’s performers, presenters, everyone who took out an ad, the Suncoast Hotel and Casino, Rick Goldstein, general manager, Marty Giovi, Peter Smith, Ash Kuntz, Michael Peterson, Chris Carlson and Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman. A heartfelt thank you to Kathie Spehar, Sonny Charles, Clint Holmes, Willie Garrett, Daisy Brown, Art Rogers, Tommie Sea, John Katsilometes, Ron Garrett, William Morris, Sandy Stein, Steve Rosenblum, Art Rogers, Ron Richardson, Elaine Young, Oniel Smith, Kraba Vereen, William Jordan, Sandy Castor, Jason Castor, P.J. Romain, Jr., Jenny Puehringer, Diane Osborne, Maurice Buckner, Wiiliam Reiser, Rosa Gross, Tony and Anna Rakestraw. My incredible Musical Director, Mariano Longo and the Dream Band background singers: Stefanie Liferidge, Val Mosley, Hostess, Janetta Haywood and Pamela Flowers, Trophy Hostess, Tay Paris Buckner, Skyy Heard; My stellar production team: Stage Manager, Todd Hart, Director, Jeanne Bavaro, Videographers: Jimmy Holland, and Gerald “Jerry” Dailey. My amazing and phenomenal Consulting Producer, Gregory Amerson, words cannot express my sincere gratitude; you are all etched in my heart. Congratulations to all tonight’s honorees!Tonight’s show is dedicated in loving memory of Gregg Austin, Vice President of the Dream Awards. Finally, a sincere thank you to ALL the attendees for your support. I hope you will enjoy tonight’s event.My Sincere Appreciation,Mabl Buckne PaytonMable Buckner Payton, CEOGoo Evenin an Welcom t  3r Annual Dea Award!www.TheDreamAwards.org

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5 665 6MEET YOUR HOSTMEET YOUR HOSTEarl Turner Earl Turner is an entertainer in every sense of the word. From the cut of his suits to the clarity of his voice, explosive dancing to soulful guitar playing, he has owned the spotlight in showrooms from the Las Vegas Strip all the way to the heart of New Orleans.With roots in small-town Missouri, he played his rst gig at an American Legion hall at age 13 and was touring with a Chicago show band called the Earl White Revue by the time he was 19. Fronting his own band from the early ’80s on, music took Turner to nightclubs and hotel-casino stages across the country, and one of his original dance tracks — “Love Caught You By Surprise” — hit the Top 40 charts in Europe.From the start, audiences and critics loved Turner’s act; an act made up, he said, “of songs that people can relate to, songs of any genre, I really like music that’s fun.” One critic wrote, “Earl Turner Live is an evening that you should not miss.” Another noted, “More than anything else, Turner wins over the crowd by working hard.” He has performed at many major hotel/casinos across the country. In a recent performance, he was billed as “Las Vegas’ Most Electrifying Performer.” Turner has received numerous awards, including the Las Vegas Review Journal’s Male Vocalist of the Year award.Traveling the world as a headliner for Royal Caribbean International, Turner still takes time to perform in Las Vegas, the city he calls home. “This man is the real deal, every time out,” raved award-winning Las Vegas Sun Editor at Large John Katsilometes, calling Turner “one of the truly amazing live performers in Las Vegas.” And he has cultivated a songbook covering popular artists ranging from Sam Cooke and James Brown to Bruno Mars and Jason Mraz. This is music that inspires and electries, and Turner gets to the core of it by pouring his soul out on stage every night, every note. That dedication landed him in the New Orleans Music Hall of Fame, in a city where he headlined in a showroom named for him at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino.When he isn’t spending time with his wife Christine and other family and friends, he’s working on producing new music.Kelly Clinton Holmes is a consummate entertainer who has reigned as a Vegas headliner for 25+ years. Her remarkable career has solidied her status as a true icon in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas.Her credits include:• “Vegas Live” alongside Sheena Easton and Clint Holmes. • Winner on ABC’s “America’s Funniest People. • Hosted “Talk Tails” on The Vegas Video Net work• Headlining on the Las Vegas Strip• Performed with Wayne Newton ,Engelbert Humperdinck,Clint Holmes and Bill Medley and Bucky Heard of The Righteous Brothers.• Theater credits include Sister Mary Amnesia in the hit show “Nunsense” • Headlining in her One Woman Show - performing the show to critical acclaim in Las Vegas and at the popular Metropolitan Room and the venerable Cafe’ Carlyle in New York City.As a host, singer, and comedienne, Kelly has delighted audiences with her unmatched talent and magnetic stage presence. Whether she’s commanding the microphone with her powerhouse vocals, delivering side-splitting comedic routines, or effortlessly engaging with the crowd, Kelly’s dynamic performances have garnered her a devoted fan base.In recognition of her exceptional contributions to the industry, Kelly was honored with the prestigious Viva Award in 2023 - Kelly’s illustrious career was celebrated as she received the Vegas Icon Visionary Award, cementing her as a trailblazer and visionary in the realm of entertainment.Throughout her career, Kelly Clinton Holmes has not only entertained audiences but also dedicated her time and efforts to philanthropy. Her unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others has solidied her as an artist with a heart of gold.With her unrivaled talent, remarkable accolades, and unwavering passion for her craft, Kelly Clinton Holmes continues to captivate audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Her contributions as a Vegas Headliner and her ability to effortlessly blend music, comedy, and hosting have solidied her place as a true legend in the realm of entertainment.Kelly Clinton-HolmesMEET YOUR HOSTMEET YOUR HOST

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9 1010102023 HONOREE2023 HONOREEJaki Baskow, a pioneering entrepreneur, embarked on her journey with just $300 in her pocket in 1976 but possessed a boundless vision. Over nearly ve decades, she miraculously transformed her humble start into a formidable multi-million-dollar empire. Jaki’s entrepreneurial spirit and astute business acumen led her to establish several successful enterprises, including Baskow Talent, Baskow & Associates Events, and the Las Vegas Speakers Bureau. Her remarkable ability to connect with some of the world’s most prominent celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Kevin Costner, Andy Garcia, Sylvester Stallone, Frank Sinatra, and many others, solidied her reputation as a premier talent broker and event producer. Additionally, Jaki’s creativity extended to the fashion world as the creator of Suzanne Somers’ pajama line, a testament to her versatility and innovation. Jaki’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as she was honored by numerous organizations and individuals. The Discovery Channel recognized her as one of the top 10 star and entertainment brokers worldwide and hailed her as the “Queen of Las Vegas.” Her dedication extended beyond business, as she dedicated her time to charitable causes, collaborating with organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children for 12 years. She’s also brought celebrities to Italy for over 18 years, collaborating with Silvio Berlusconi’s TV stations. Furthermore, Jaki has been a preferred vendor at the Wynn Hotel and Caesar’s for over a decade, showcasing her exceptional reputation and trustworthiness in the industry.In addition to her business ventures, Jaki Baskow is renowned for her prolic career as a casting director and producer. Her contributions to the entertainment industry include her pivotal role in Las Vegas castings for iconic lms like “Rocky IV” and other notable productions like “The Mexican” with Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts. Her inuence in the entertainment industry has earned her recognition as one of the most inuential women in the eld. Throughout her remarkable journey, Jaki Baskow has left an indelible mark on talent management, casting, event production, and even fashion, making her an iconic gure in the entertainment and business world.InspIratIon awardJaki BaskowTalent Agent

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11 1212112023 HONOREE2023 HONOREELV Entertainer AwardAvana ChristieSinger, Actress & SongwriterAvana Christie, affectionately known and called by many the “Georgia Peach” a 28 year residence in Las Vegas, have graced many stages in her 4 decades and counting career including performances at most major casinos in Las Vegas. She has traveled to share her gifts with many around the world. Japan, Spain, Australia, Taiwan and China have been a catalyst to sing in different languages.In 2016, Avana was awarded ‘’best female blues artist and‘Best female lounge artist’ from the Las Vegas black music awards’ which she received as a blessing and have been fortunate to excel to greater heights of her career. In 2018, Avana was nominated for “Entertainer of the Year” by the Las Vegas black music awards.”September, 2021 Avana received award from #4th annual personalities network for her contribution to the music scene in las Vegas.With gospel music as her roots, Avana has been privileged to grace stages with Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, stellar awards Las Vegas, Donald Lawrence, Charles Jenkins back up choir, to name a few and the Christmas Show for Mariah Carey at Caesar’s Palace coliseum all being an afliated member of “Aaron Arrington’s Facebook Chorale”. A Las Vegas community choir. Avana is also involved with a twenty + years corporate gospel choir named “Michelle Johnson’s Desert Angels”. Including the house of blues gospel brunch.Avana Christie has also graced the silver screen as an independent artist. Avana has been blessed as a lead/supporting actress in 8 premiere movies and 1 commercial for shelter insurance company. Two of the movies in which she appears, “emerge” now streaming on Tubi TV, which has also received over 1 million views.Which earned Avana a trophy as ‘Rebecca James’’ (outstanding villainess) in the movie at the 8th annual las Vegas Black Film Festival, and ‘crystal’ now streaming on Amazon Prime TV.), James D. Ross (music producer) and Mykisha Davis collaborated to create her latest ‘single’ recording ‘Peachy Wit Me’, that was released.On most major streaming platforms, (including Amazon music, Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, iTunes, YouTube music, SoundCloud, Shazam to name a few, August 2022.The ofcial music video for ‘peachy wit me’ was released on ‘Avana Christie’ YouTube channel August 18, 2022.May to august 2023, Avana was given her 1st residency on the las Vegas (off) strip. Honored to play the likeness of the iconic Jackie ‘Moms’ Mobley, in a musical production the ‘Cotton Club Revue’ Music is my passion, entertainment is my life!

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13 141414JImmy payton VIsIonary awardCraig KnightOwner of 88.1FMLas Vegas native Craig Knight was destined to have a career in the music industry with music literally in his family DNA. He is a veteran radio broadcasting executive with over 25 years in the Las Vegas market and currently General Manager & Program Director at KCEP 88.1 FM (Power 88). In 2017 he was inducted into the Nevada Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame and received a proclamation from the Mayor and members of the Las Vegas City Council in 2022 proclaiming June 17th “Craig Knight Day”!Knight is a recipient of numerous awards which includes accolades for his commitment to community service and leadership. He is a member of the African-American Public Radio Consortium and is on the boards of the Nevada Broadcasters Association, Urban Chamber of Commerce and KTNV(ABC) Community Advisory Board. He also serves on the Sheriff’s Metro Multi-Cultural Advisory Council for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and well as the Youth Violence and Homicide Reduction Committee.Building and expanding his partnerships with various community organizations throughout the Las Vegas Valley are a matter of continuing purpose and pride for Craig Knight! 2023 HONOREE2023 HONOREE

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15 161615LV EntErtaInEr awardMichelle JohnsonSinger & Producer2023 HONOREE2023 HONOREEMichelle Johnson is the recipient of the National Association of Women Business Owners Woman of Distinction Award for her contributions in entertainment, and she is also a Las Vegas Black Music Awards recipient of the Lena Horne Award for Musical Excellence. Known as “Las Vegas’ First Lady of Jazz,” her concert themes focus on female empowerment and the transformative power of music. She is Yale University graduate and the daughter of an American educator and a former Liberian diplomat who once served as the Liberian Ambassador to Egypt. Michelle has performed on Broadway and continues to ourish in the cabaret genre, delighting audiences across the country with her liquid voice and unique storytelling. Her show “A Sondheim Scrapbook” won a Broadway World award for Best Cabaret/Concert/Solo Performance, and she is currently booking concerts across the globe. In Las Vegas she consistently sells out at her performing home, the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Beyond her work as a Broadway actor, national cabaret artist and Las Vegas headliner, Michelle Johnson has also performed, toured or recorded with legendary artists including Paul McCartney (Hollywood Bowl), Michael Bublé (Higher Tour – Resorts Worlds 2022), The Eagles (Hotel California Tour 2022), Barbara Streisand (MGM Grand Garden Arena - Back to Brooklyn concert), Gladys Knight (national tours), Elton John (Duets album), Sheena Easton (Las Vegas residency), Paul Rogers, Slash and Neal Schon (Woodstock ’94), and has made various appearances with David Foster, Josh Groban, Donnie Osmond, Wynnona, David Cassidy, Spyro Gyra,Vince Gill, Cher, and many others. She has also appeared on The Tonight Show, the AMC’s on CBS (with country artist Sugarland), Comic Relief on TBS and HBO as a vocal arranger and featured soloist opposite Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, and Robin Williams, NBC’s The Last Comic Standing, and on many other award and variety shows covering US major television networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, TNT, HBO,TBS, etc). She is the female voice of the “UNLV Tickets” jingle among other popular spots in Las Vegas. Michelle is also prolic event producer and creative director whose company Diva Las Vegas Productions produces full scale corporate events for Fortune 500 companies (entertainment, staging, lighting, video and scripting) and casts talent for television specials and headliners on tour. Michelle is also the founder of the Desert Angels All Star Choir and regularly contracts the group for headliner concerts and televised events.In her spare time, Michelle mentors other women who are seeking careers in entertainment, production, and public speaking. An accomplished singer songwriter, she is in the process of recording a new album. She is also a coauthor of the inspirational book “Power of the Platform” and is in the process of writing her own book about the music industry entitled “The Chick Singer Bible.” Michelle is thrilled and humbled to be honored by the Dream Awards!

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17 1818182023 HONOREE2023 HONOREEExcELLEncE In BroadcastIng-radIo awardDennis BonoSinger, Syndicated Radio HostDennis Bono, the consummate interpreter of the Great American Songbook, proclaimed by the Chicago Tribune as “a thoroughbred singer, born and bred to sing”, has now achieved even greater recognition celebrating 23 years starring as the host of his own successful musical/variety/talk show from the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, Nevada.The Dennis Bono Show, features established celebrities from the world of entertainment, and is performed in front of a live audience in The Showroom at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa on the Las Vegas “South” Strip. Dennis’ show is then broadcast on three Las Vegas radio stations, KDWN, KXNT and KJUL.The Dennis Bono Show also airs on the CRN Network nationally and is heard on the internet with a worldwide listening audience on www.crntalk.com, while torch for our music”. Dennis continued to hone his craft singing and touring from Las Vegas to Japan, and everywhere in between. A tour with Don Rickles included Bally’s Grand Hotel in Atlantic City and the Golden Nugget and Tropicana Hotels in Las VegasIn addition to the radio shows, Dennis continues to perform concert dates and has recently released a new Dennis Bono Collector’s Edition 4 CD Box Set, encompassing four decades of his mastery of “The Great American Songbook” to national and international markets.Dennis is married to the 32nd Lieutenant Governor of Nevada Lorraine Hunt-Bono and they reside in Las Vegas where, with family, they own and operate the popular Bootlegger Italian Bistro on Las Vegas Boulevard, “South Strip”. Visit Dennis at http://dennisbono.com

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19 2020192023 HONOREE2023 HONOREELIVIng LEgEnd awardBilly BrownRay, Goodman and BrownRay, Goodman & Brown is an American R&B vocal group. The group originated as The Moments, who formed in the mid-1960s and whose greatest successes came in the 1970s with hits including “Love on a Two-Way Street”, “Sexy Mama”, and “Look at Me (I’m in Love)”. In 1978, they changed their name to Ray, Goodman & Brown and had further hits, including “Special Lady”. In 1972, the Moments recorded a live album from a women’s prison entitled Live at the New York State Women’s Prison. It peaked at No. 25 on Billboard’s R&B Album chart. They also released two top 40 singles: Just Because He Wants to Make Love (Doesn›t Mean He Loves You)” (No. 25 R&B) and “My Thing” (No. 19 R&B).In 1973, they released “Gotta Find a Way” (No. 16 R&B, No. 68 Pop) and another top 10 R&B hit, “Sexy Mama”, written by Goodman, Ray, and S. Robinson (No. 3 R&B, No. 17 Pop). They also recorded a duet with Sylvia Robinson and Ray on lead “Sho Nuff Boogie” (credited as Sylvia and the Moments).After a couple more singles, the group hit the top of the R&B chart again in 1975 with the single “Look at Me (I’m in Love)”. The song appeared 19 weeks on Billboard’s R&B chart, and hit No. 39 on the Hot 100 on June 28.The Moments were co-credited with label mates the Whatnauts on their hit “Girls (Part1)”; it reached No. 25 on the Billboard R&B chart and became one of their biggest international successes, reaching No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart in 1975.Ray and Goodman were strongly involved in writing and producing much of the Moments’ material from the mid-1970s, as well as producing and writing for the Whatnauts. The Moments had continued success in the UK scoring two further top-ten hits with “Dolly My Love” (No. 10) and “Jack in the Box” (No. 7).By 1978, the group had had a total of 27 R&B chart hits and decided to leave Stang, signing with the larger Polydor Records. A legal dispute arose, barring them from using “The Moments” on their new label, so they renamed the group with their last names: Ray, Goodman & BrownThe rst single under their new name, “Special Lady”, became one of their biggest hits, reaching No. 1 on the R&B chart and No. 5 on the pop chart in early 1980, earning them a gold record. The song was written by, Goodman, Ray, and Lee Walter. The B-side featured “Déjà Vu”, with lyrics by Bob Natiello and music by Lou Toby. Their debut self-titled album, “Ray, Goodman & Brown” became a big hit as well giving them their rst gold album. They followed up with more hits, including “Inside Of You” (No. 14 R&B, 1980)

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21 222222• • • • • 2023 HONOREE2023 HONOREELIVIng LEgEnd awardGerald AlstonLead Singer of e ManhattansAs any R&B enthusiast will attest, the name Gerald Alston has always been synonymous with soul, elegance and sophistication. Born and raised in Henderson, North Carolina where both his mother and father sang gospel music, Gerald was raised on the gospel music he heard in church and at home (his uncle, Johnny Fields is one of the Five Blind Boys of Alabama). Enroute to a college degree as a pre-med student with a music minor, the fates intervened and Gerald left college to join The Manhattans as lead singer. After sixteen years, Gerald left to pursue a solo career. His 1987 debut album with Motown Records was entitled “Gerald Alston” followed by “Open Invitation” in 1990. His third album in 1992 “Always In The Mood”was a blend of classic R&B songs with 90’s music and nuances. In 1993, Gerald signed with Scottie Brothers/Street Life Records and recorded his debut album entitled “1st Class Only” which he believes is one of the best albums he recorded.

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23 2424232023 HONOREE2023 HONOREELIVIng LEgEnd awardClaudette RobinsonFirst Lady of Motown - e MiraclesAs an original member of The Miracles, the rst act to sign with Berry Gordy’s Tamla/Motown Records, Claudette Robinson was also the iconic label’s very rst female artist. In 1960, The Miracles’ “Shop Around” became Tamla/Motown’s rst million-seller, prompting Mr. Gordy to bestow a special ofcial title on Claudette - The First Lady of Motown™.Born Claudette Annette Rogers in New Orleans, Louisiana, at a very young age she embraced her grandmother’s Christian values and always had a love for music, and in her free time, she sang with several female groups and performed in local talent shows in the Detroit area. While her brother Emerson “Sonny” Rogers was away serving in the Army, his Matadors groupmate was William “Smokey” Robinson. Claudette was a member of their sister group, the Matadorettes. As fate would have it, they met Motown founder Berry Gordy in 1957. A friendship and partnership was created that has thrived for more than 60 years. Claudette and her group mates William “Smokey” Robinson, Warren “Pete” Moore, Ronald “Ronnie” White, and Robert “Bobby” Rogers became The Miracles. Their rst Tamla single, “Got A Job,” was released on February 19, 1958.During The Miracles’ six-decade career, the group has sold more than 60 million records to date. Four Miracles hits -- “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” “Shop Around,” and “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me”-- have been selected by the National Recording Preservation Board for the United States Library of Congress’ National Recording Registr and have also been inducted into the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame, honoring recordings of lasting qualitative or historical signicance.In 2009, commemorating The Miracles’ golden anniversary in the entertainment industry, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored the group with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2012, The Miracles were retroactively inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by their lead singer, Smokey Robinson and in 2017, The City Council of Los Angeles awarded a Resolution to Ms. Claudette Robinson - The First Lady of Motown™ for her varied accomplishments in the recording industry and her continuing philanthropic efforts. Claudette shared pieces from her private collection to present the GRAMMY Museum’s yearlong Miracles exhibit in Los Angeles, California. Some of The Miracles’ other prestigious awards and honors include the Vocal Group Hall of Fame; their #32 ranking in Rolling Stone’s denitive music icons list, “The Immortals;” their place in Billboard’s “100 Greatest Artists of All Time;” and Claudette’s personal honor of receiving a “Key to the City” of Detroit.In 2019, commemorating Motown’s 60th Anniversary celebration, Claudette debuted her rst children’s book entitled: CLAUDETTE’S MIRACULOUS MOTOWN ADVENTURE. The story is a wonderful journey of her adventures as a little girl in the magical kingdom of Motown. Claudette’s goal is to inspire and educate children of their music history of the past, so that it will be retained and passed onto future generations.Claudette has enjoyed the wonders of motherhood as a mother of two, (Berry and Tamla), and grandmother of three, (Lyric, Thomas, and Alexis).

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25 2626262023 HONOREE2023 HONOREEExcELLEncE In BroadcastIng- tV awardTricia KeanKTNV-13 Action News AnchorFor 17 years, Tricia Kean has been a weekday anchor and a longtime advocate for consumers in Southern Nevada who have been ripped off or scammed. She currently anchors the 5:00, 6:00, 6:30 and 11:00 p.m. weekday editions of Action News.Tricia also heads up our popular Contact 13 Consumer Unit. Contact 13’s Call for Action is the largest consumer unit in Southern Nevada. Our volunteers recover over $1 million a year for viewers who contact us through our hotline to solve problems.Every weekday evening, Tricia can be seen anchoring on Channel 13 Action News. In addition to the news, Tricia brings you the latest consumer headlines in her Contact 13 segments. She warns our viewers about frauds, scams, product recalls and provides bottom-line information that will save you money. Tricia is a graduate of Arizona State University and came to Las Vegas from Los Angeles, where she was a general assignment reporter in her hometown at KCAL-TV. Tricia has anchored overnight national news for CBS News “Up to the Minute.” She also worked as an anchor/reporter at WXIA-TV in Atlanta, Georgia, WSPA-TV in Spartanburg, South Carolina, WMAZ-TV in Macon, Georgia and KRTV in Great Falls, Montana. Tricia has two local Emmy awards to her credit.Tricia also has received numerous local awards for her work in the community over the past 17 years in Southern Nevada. She was named “A Woman Of Valor” by Temple Ner Tamid in Henderson. Tricia has done a lot of volunteer and community work. In addition, she is proud to host “The Hospy Awards” every year, which awards excellence in the Hospitality Industry.Tricia is known for landing exclusive interviews of some of the most inuential people in the world and in Southern Nevada and Las Vegas including Dr. Miriam Adelson, the wife of billionaire Sheldon Adelson of Sands Corporation, Steve and Elaine Wynn of Wynn Resorts, Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta of Station Casinos, and Tom Breitling, Founder of Travelscape and Former owner of the Legendary Golden Nugget.Tricia got married on March 8, 2008, at Anthem Country Club to local businessman Rick Hergott. They share a home together in Henderson. Tricia’s wedding was featured on the cover of Las Vegas Bride.Tricia had the honor of being the cover girl bride. On August 28, 2009, Tricia and her husband Rick welcomed a son, Matthew, into the world.

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27 282828• • • • • • • • • • • • 2023 HONOREE2023 HONOREELumInary awardMarshall ompsone Chi-LitesIt started in 1959 when Marshall Thompson formed a vocal group called the “Hi-Lights” in his hometown of Chicago with fellow members Eugene Record, Robert Lester and Creadel “Red” Jones. After releasing several singles on local labels, the group changed their name in 1964 to “Marshall & The Chi-Lites”. By the time the group changed their name to The Chi-Lites in 1969 they were signed by Nat Tarnopol and Carl Davis to Brunswick Records, where they would soon become international superstars.Between 1969 and 1974, The Chi-Lites scored eleven Top Ten singles on the Billboard R&B charts, with hits like “Have You Seen Her”, “Give It Away”, “(For God’s Sake) Give More Power To The People”, “Are You My Woman (Tell Me So)”, “A Letter To Myself”, “The Coldest Days of My Life”, “Stoned Out Of My Mind”, “Oh Girl” and thirty seven other Billboard charted singles throughout their career. During the 1970’s The Chi-Lites were featured on television shows such as Soul Train, American Bandstand, The Midnight Special, Sammy and Company, the BBC’s Top of the Pops and the very popular Flip Wilson Show, where they debuted their #1 pop smash “Oh Girl”. All of The Chi-Lites’ hits were written or co-written by lead singer Eugene Record, who would also become Brunswick’s Vice President of A&R.In 2000, BMI named “Oh Girl” by The Chi-Lites the 36th most popular song of the 20th century. That same year The Chi-Lites were inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame followed by their induction into Vocal Groups Hall Of Fame in 2004. The Chi-Lites have also appeared on screen in the 1996 feature lm “Original Gangsters” with Fred Williams, Jim Brown, Pam Grier and Richard Roundtree, as well as the 2003 docu/movie “Only The Strong Survive” by Miramax lms.Grammy-winning audio engineer Bruce Swedien insists that when he recorded Michael Jackson’s vocals for the “Off The Wall” and “Thriller” albums, he used the same techniques he developed with The Chi-Lites in the early 1970s. In addition to being featured in many lms, television shows and commercials, the recordings of The Chi-Lites have been sampled by artists such as Jay-Z, K. Michelle, American Idol Winner Fantasia and Beyonce, who sampled The Chi-Lites to create the Grammy winning smash “Crazy In Love”. In 2021, the Chi-Lites will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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29 3030292023 HONOREE2023 HONOREEAntonio Fargas is legendary and an icon in the lm, television and theatre industry. Antonio is a remarkable talent who has a glimmer of mystery and mischief in his eyes and who has the ability to portray a wide and vast array of characters throughout his long and storied career. Recognizable for his unforgettable characters “Huggy Bear” in Starsky & Hutch, “Bunky” in Shaft, “Link Brown” Foxy Brown, and “Lindy” in Carwash clearly established Antonio Fargas as a bona de icon. Antonio Fargas began his journey into lm at the age of 14 in Shirley Clark’s The Cool World which was quickly followed by his brilliant performance in Robert Downey Sr.’s Putney Swope and has starred in a long list of studio lms including Shaft, Foxy Brown, Carwash, Across 110 Street, Cleopatra Jones, Carwash, Next Stop Greenwich Village, and Pretty Baby. All along Antonio was starring on television in his iconic character “Huggy Bear” on the hit ABC series Starsky & Hutch, and received critical acclaim starring in lms such as Fire Starter, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, Don’t Be a Menace to South Central, Milo, 3 Strikes, The Riff, Extreme Honors, Bad Guys, Sucker Punch, The Abduction of Jesse Bookman, Silver Bells,Until We Meet Again, and the upcoming Beyond Skyline.Following on the success of Starsky & Hutch, Antonio starred in a number of television shows including All My Children, Charlie’s Angels, Living Single, Vegas, The Simpsons, Eve, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Martin, The Bill Cosby Show, The District, Steve Harvey Show, The Wayans Brothers, Everybody Hates Chris, Numbers, Lie to Me, Brothers, House of Lies and is the voice and spokes person for CoziTV. He starred in a number of Movies for Television both in the United States and Europe. He has thrilled audiences with his riveting performance in The Great White Hope starring opposite James Earl Jones and Jane Alexander. He has mesmerized theatre goers from Broadway to London with starring performance in Driving Miss Daisy, Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death, The Rainmaker, The Emperor Jones, the Mark Taper Forum’s Dream on Monkey Mountain, the New York Shakespeare Fest’s Measure for Measure and Romeo and Juliet, James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner in the West End of London, The Dead Monkey starring opposite his friend and former Starsky & Hutch colleague David Soul, and most recently starring in the smash hit musical The Blues Brothers.Antonio has lent his voice to a number of animations and video games which have included Osmosis Jones with Bill Murray and Chris Rock, and mega video game Driver 2.Antonio and a partner formed a hip-hop production company, Bumpit Entertainment, as an outlet for his musical approach to old school hip-hop fusion and to give young artists the opportunity to break into the music industry. Antonio teamed with Fat Face Records in the UK to record the hit song Big Bertha Butt. Antonio has recently created a jive jazz group the New Jump Blues Band which has been touring and just played the Los Angeles Playboy Jazz Festival.Antonio is truly excited to have recently starred in Mister Mayfair opposite Armand Assante, Casper Van Dien & Nathalie Cox for director/producer Philippe Martinez, and looks forward to more Mayfair adventures.Antonio is a proud father, grandfather and philanthropist. Icon awardLIfEtImE achIEVEmEnt In actIng awardAntonio FargasActor, Director & Writer

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31 323231 32LEgacy awardBen VereenActor, Dancer and SingerFew entertainers today are as accomplished or versatile as Ben Vereen. His legendary performances transcend time and have been woven into the fabric of this country’s artistic legacy.Upcoming for Ben is a limited series produced by Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman. Ben starred in the Chuck Lorre television series B POSITIVE for CBS, as well as multiple episodes of THE GOOD FIGHT, also for CBS, playing FREDERICK DOUGLAS. In 2022, he received the SIDNEY POITIER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Award at the National Black Theatre Festival, and in June, he was awarded the inaugural JUNETEENTH LEGACY AWARD from the Broadway League, as well as receiving the HERO’S AWARD from the First Responder’s Children’s Foundation due to his presence at Ground Zero in helping the rst responders. Ben was chosen to be the face of Welcome Back New York City and Broadway as a national commercial.https://vimeo.com/629299864/bc0e72b0a0Ben appeared in MAGNUM P.I. and BULL for CBS, multiple episodes of STAR for Fox, and the BET Series TALES. Ben also co-starred with RICHARD GERE in TIME OUT OF MIND, CHRIS ROCK in TOP FIVE, and was featured as Dr. Scott in the re-imagined THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW for 20th Century Fox. BRYAN CRANSTON picked Ben to costar in SNEAKY PETE for Amazon. Ben continues to tour the country with his concert act, motivational lectures, master classes. As you know, he won a Tony Award/Drama Desk for Pippin, starred in such musicals as Jesus Christ Superstar, Fosse, Hair, Jelly’s Last Jam, Chicago, Wicked, I’m Not Rappaport, to name a few and is remembered for lms like ‘Sweet Charity’, ‘All That Jazz,’ and the Emmy winning role of Chicken George in the iconic ‘Roots.’“It’s always pleasant to spend time in the company of a survivor, a pro, and a performing prince. Ben Vereen is all three.” - New York Times2023 HONOREE2023 HONOREEtraILBLazEr awardJayne KennedySports Anchor/Host & Actress2023 HONOREE2023 HONOREE“For millions of American women who came of age in the 1960s and 70s, Jayne Kennedy was more than The IT Girl. More than a cherished role model for all women and African-American women in particular... Jayne Kennedy was an inspiration and an icon. Hers was the career, the face, the image that women from all walks of life conjured when they thought of a woman whose real life was the stuff of which Hollywood movies were made.” - Laura Randolph (author). Beginning with her Hollywood debut in 1971 she rst appeared as a dancer on Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In, performed as a singer/dancer with Bob Hope’s Bases Around the World Christmas Tour in Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Spain, and Cuba which led to three years with the Dean Martin Show also as a singer/dancer while performing in nightclubs in the off-seasons. Guest starring on TV shows, pilots and lms, serving as a spokesperson for major global corporations, modeling, producing, along with her many years of philanthropy lled the 70s and 80s for Jayne. However, Jayne is best known for her ground-breaking work on the Emmy Award win-ning CBS NFL Today from 1978-1980. As one of the rst female sports broadcasters and the rst African-American female in that role, she destroyed the myth that women could not make it in the world of sports broadcasting, blasting the doors wide open for women in sports forevermore. Ms. Kennedy is the only female to host one of televisionʼs longest running syndicated sports series, Greatest Sports Legends, alongside its Whoʼs Who of superstars including Arthur Ashe, Jimmy Connors and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. She is also the rst female to ev-er work ringside as ʻcolor commentatorʼ for menʼs professional boxing through her work for Muhammad Ali Professional Sports. Although short-lived, Jayne was also one of the very rst women to host her own syndicated TV sports show, The Jayne Kennedy NFL Report. Black Enterprise’s Women of Power Summit bestowed Jayne the honor of their 2018 Legacy Award as one of four recipients along with political strategist and former Democratic National Chair, Donna Brazile, Edith Cooper of Goldman Sachs and the legendary chore-ographer, Carmen Delavellade. Jayne was honored by the National Sports Media Association with their most prestigious NSMA Roone Arledge Award for Innovation in 2022. And Viacom/BET championed her as one of the “Ten Black Female Firsts in TV Journalism Around the World”.Jayne has always been humbled by her success, her place in contemporary American media was solidied when she recently was inducted into the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington D.C., next to Nat King Cole, Dia-hann Carroll, Nichelle Nichols, Diana Ross & The Supremes and Don Cornelius in Oprah Winfrey’s “Pioneers in Television and the Media Landscape” exhibit.The word ‘pioneer’ barely describes the force of nature that is Jayne Kennedy Overton. Jayne is reemerging with an irrepressible surge of creative dynamism, placing the perfect bookend on a remarkable career setting the stage for... Jayne 2.0!

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33 343433 34LIfEtImE achIEVEmEnt In musIc awardMarilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jre Fifth Dimension2023 HONOREE2023 HONOREEMarilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., legendary stars of The Original 5th Dimension, made the iconic group famous. “The First Couple of Pop & Soul,” according to Questlove, Clive Davis and the New York Times, launched the genre Champagne Soul, with music including “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” “Worst That Could Happen,” “Change Is Gonna Come,” the classic, “Don’t Cha Hear Me Callin’ To Ya,” all led by Billy, “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Love’s Lines, Angles & Rhymes” “One Less Bell (to Answer),” “Last Night (I Didn’t Get To Sleep At All),” all led by Marilyn, as well as their contributions to every Original 5th Dimension hit, including: “Up, Up and Away,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Sweet Blindness,” and “California Soul.”After leaving The Original 5th Dimension, Marilyn & Billy recorded “You Don’t Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show),” a chart-topping #1 record, which won them their 7th Grammy Award and a network television variety show on CBS. “The Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. Show” made TV history, with the couple being the rst, and to date only, African-American married couple to have their own television series. In 2021, Marilyn & Billy returned to TV, making a special guest appearance in “The Waltons’ over 35 years. That same year, they starred in Questlove’s Academy Award winning “Summer of Soul (...Or, when the Revolution Could Not Be Televised),” a documentary on the Harlem Cultural Festival.Continuing to break barriers, Marilyn & Billy this year will become the rst African-American couple to receive a second honor on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.Icon awardMelba MooreSinger & ActressMelba Moore is an international American contemporary prolic 5 octave singer, TONY Award winning actress and a four time Grammy nominated artist. She has conquered the genres of Broadway, Contemporary Soul/R&B, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Gospel and Classical.Destined to be a star and with no training as an actor, Melba started out her Broadway career in the original cast of HAIR where she replaced Diane Keaton becoming the rst African-American woman to replace a white actress in a lead role. She would later solidify her place in America’s hearts with her Tony Award winning performance as “Luttiebelle Gussie-Mae Jenkins” in the musical written by the late great Ossie Davis, Purlie. Her other Broadway works include Timbuktu alongside Eartha Kitt and directed by Geoffrey Holder, Inacent Black , Ain’t Misbehavin, BKLYN, Chicago and Les Miserables, setting another rst when she became the rst Black woman to play the lead role of Fantine.Ms. Moore’s success only continued to expand with her recording career. Her cover of her friend Aretha Franklin’s classic “Lean On Me” earned her a Grammy nomination and has become just one of her signature songs. Her hit “Read My Lips” made her the rst African-American woman nominated for a Grammy in the Rock category. Melba was the rst solo artist to perform a non-operatic concert at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera House and has also performed at the L’Olympia Hall in Paris, France. She has received the prestigious Drama Desk Award, The Ellis Island Award, The Artist Guild Award, The Trumpet Award of Excellence, A History Makers Tribute and invitations to the White House under Presidents Gerald Ford and Ronald Regan as well as performing for the United Nations General Assembly.Melba is an entertainer who also happens to be a civil and equal rights activist, an outspoken advocate for minority, children and women’s rights. She marched arm in arm with Mrs. Coretta Scott King and Rev. Jesse Jackson and worked closely with Dr. Betty Shabazz, Dr. Dorothy I. Height (National Council of Negro Women), and Dr. C. Delores Tucker (National Political Congress of Black Women). Melba Moore’s 1990 version of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which she recorded with Bebe and Cece Winans, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, Anita Baker, Bobby Brown, Gerald Albright, Freddie Jackson, Howard Hewitt, Jeffrey Osborne, The Clark Sisters, Terri Lyne Carrington, Stephanie Mills, Take 6, with the video directed by Debbie Allen and featuring Jasmine Guy and narration by Rev. Jesse Jackson and Lou Gossett Jr. was entered into the Congressional Record as the ofcial Black National Anthem. In 2017, it was added to the United States National Recording registry preserved by the Library of Congress as an “American Aural Treasure” alongside Barbara Streisand’s “People” and David Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust”. Ms. Moore continues to delight fans with performances at home and abroad.2023 HONOREE2023 HONOREE

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37 383837MEET THE CONDUCTORMariano LongoMEET THE CONDUCTORMariano LongoMariano Longo is a career professional musician, arranger and producer who remains enthusiastic about all facets of the music industry. He has extensive experience in specialized musical applicationsand is the president of Orchestral Events, a company that produces orchestral/pops concerts around the country. In addition to musical direction for the 2017 and 2018 “Dream Awards,” Longo has three other shows currently on tour: You’ve Got A Friend” — the music of Carole King & James Taylor; “Hey Baby, They’re Playin’ Our Song” starring the Buckinghams and Christi Copeland; and “First Ladies Of Disco” starring Martha Wash, Linda Clifford and Norma Jean Wright. For 10 years prior, Longo was pianist/conductor for international recording artist Gary Puckett.Longo has played piano and/or conducted in the Las Vegas showrooms for touring artists Lesley Gore, The Lettermen, Richard Street’s Temptations, Sonny Turner & The Platters, The Miracles, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Shirley Allston Reeves, The Buckinghams, The Shirelles and Little Peggy March.

DreamAwardsBook inspreads 2023La

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