Dick Gregory, Michel Wright Attend Reception for HBO Movie Premiere of Bessie on May 16, 2015

MCLEAN, Va. - May 18, 2015 - PRLog -- Washington DC – Jazz Superstar Ski Johnson and SJ Enterprises in partnership with The Bessie Smith Family Estate hosted a private reception for the world premiere of the HBO movie “Bessie” starring Oscar nominated and Grammy award winning recording artist Queen Latifah, on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 6: 00pm. The biopic tells the story of Bessie Smith, known as the Empress of the Blues, one of the most influential musicians of the jazz and blues era and, who at the time, was one of the highest paid and well-known African American artists in the country.  The movie features an all-star cast of award winning stage, screen and television actors, directors and producers, including Oscar winner Mo’Nique; three time Emmy Award winner, actor and director Charles S. Dutton; NAACP Image Award winner Khandi Alexander; Golden Globe winner Oliver Platt; NAACP Image Award and Gotham Award winner comedian, actor and producer Mike Epps, and actor and producer Michael Kenneth Williams and actress and producer Tika Sumpter.

The invitation-only reception hosted at a private estate in McLean, Virginia and featured a cocktail hour prior to the premiere. Guests included Mary George and Ski Johnson of SJ Entertprises, Jamie Foster Brown of Sister-to-Sister magazine, former NBC Washington reporter and current CNN reporter Suzanne Malveaux, legendary comedian Dick Gregory and Smith’s granddaughter Beverly Ann Clarke. Guests entered and had their red carpet moment as they walked in and were treated to a miniature display of hats, photographs and musical instruments. Models dressed in period costume guided guests into the main salon where a hosted bar featuring <strong>Hendrick's Gin</strong> and a buffet of various hors d'oeurves.  On the terrace, guests were treated to a live pianist who dedicated his artistry that evening to blues legend, B.B. King who recently passed away.  Event Sponsors include Gemini Graphix, A Family Affair Events, Key Concierge, Black Bag Productions, FlexFlop, American Summit Water, D'Milikah, and Basket Treats by Alexis Streets.  Event favors were chevron folded, bright white specialty handkerchiefs for the men and period hand fans for the women that they received upon departure.

Guests remarked that Latifah's portrayal of the blues legend was spot on and  brought a well rounded character to the screen that was believable and most importantly, engaging throughout.  The supporting cast also well rounded, and easily fell into the time period they were portraying, clearly making the viewing audience aware of the reasons why Smith and company were as influential as they were.  Notes Johnson, "I think that the relevancy of the material, the music, the characters all struck a chord with the audience. The topics on alcohol, gambling. marriage, family, race and sexual orientation portrayed in the movie proved that the needle has barely moved in some areas and in others moved, but show that there is a need to change."

Johnson, for over twenty years, has been a prolific and versatile jazz saxophone performer, with nine albums, two of which hit #1 on the Billboard charts. Recently, Johnson made world history at the New York Stock Exchange, as the first Saxophonist to perform on the Podium and Floor of the New York Stock Exchange at the Closing Bell. Johnson has teamed up with three-time Grammy winning producer Deezle for his new release “Shake it Like Ya Mean It” slated for release in June 2015.  For more information, visit the site www.skijohnson.us